Understanding The Physiological Effects of Stress

Most of us think that stress is a bad thing, right? In fact, it’s unavoidable. But by understanding the physiological effects of stress, we can learn that stress, like many things in life, is both negative and positive.

We humans are hard-wired to respond physiologically to stress. Psychologists distinguish between eustress, which is positive, and distress, which is negative.

“Good” stress gives you the tools to optimize your experience, say, when you’re competing athletically, taking on a challenging new role or learning something new. Under these circumstances, you invoke the “fight-or-flight” response, enjoying the burst of the energy and enthusiasm you need to face the challenge. Your body then reverts to its normal state.

In more serious circumstances, however, your body remains stressed, which initiates a series of increasingly detrimental physiological effects of stress.

Physiological effects of stress: Stage 1

This is the mobilization phase, in which bodily activity increases in response to the stressor. Your fight-or-flight response is activated and adrenalin races through your body.

The stress can be caused by almost any new or threatening experience. It can be useful to distinguish between primary stress, which can be characterized by the approach of an enemy or opponent, an object hurtling towards you or an overwhelming fear of reprisal or punishment. Secondary stress, in contrast, may be brought about by wedding jitters, anxiety about a presentation or the excitement about an impending first date.

There are four noticeable physiological characteristics:

· Increased perspiration,

· Increased heart rate and blood pressure,

· Rapid breathing, and

· Decreased rate of digestion (which causes those infamous butterflies or nervous stomach).

What we aren’t aware of is the release of immune-suppressing corticosteroids and adrenalin into our blood stream.

Physiological effects of stress: Stage 2

In the best-case scenario, your body will quickly revert to normal and you won’t experience the negative physiological effects of stress. If not, then you enter the more dangerous second stage, which is marked by exhaustion and energy consumption.

At this time, your body feels compromised. In defence, it releases sugars and fats that have been stored for a time of emergency. It then uses up these resources, possibly depleting your stores before you have a chance to replenish them.

At this stage, you may notice:

· Fatigue,

· Restlessness,

· Anxiety,

· Memory loss,

· Acute illnesses such as colds or flu,

· Intense pressure, and/or

· Drive.

Physiological effects of stress: Stage 3

If you don’t learn to manage and relieve stress during stage two, you enter a state of chronic stress. At this point, your energy stores are thoroughly drained. Your need for resources exceeds your ability to produce them.

This extremely unhealthy stage is marked by:

· Heart disease,

· Ulcers,

· Mental illness,

· Insomnia,

· Errors in judgment, and/or

· Personality changes.

Beating the physiological effects of stress

Fortunately, you can learn to relieve stress and manage it as well. Some techniques, like laughter, have actually been shown to counteract the negative impact of cortisol and can restore immune function. Experiment with different stress relief techniques until you find the ones that work best. You could significantly increase your life span.

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