Stress is a mental tension that affects everyone to a certain degree. It is a normal response of a person to a challenging situation. However, the danger of stress is often underestimated. This article reveals seven facts about stress to shed more light on the consequences if stress is not managed promptly.
What are the Signs of Stress?
Stress manifests itself through physical and emotional, behavioral, or mental symptoms[1].
Physical signs of stress include:
- Headaches
- Aches and pains
- Muscle tension and jaw clenching
- Sleep disturbances
- Digestive issues
- Increased heart rate
- Changes in appetite
- Weak immune system
- Trouble having sex
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue
Emotional and mental symptoms of stress include:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Depression
- Sadness
- Panic attacks
Behavioral signs of stress include:
- Nail-biting and teeth-grinding
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol too much or too often
- Overeating
How Common is Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is a common type of stress we tend to ignore. Statistics show that two in five adults[2] experience stress that they can’t function very well on most days. Stress facts show that 55% of Americans[3] are stressed for most of the day. A major cause of chronic stress is work. 94% of workers in the U.S. report that they’re stressed in their work while 63% decide to quit due to work stress.
Does Everyone Respond to Stress the Same Way?
No, people do not respond to stress the same way. When it comes to facts about stress it’s important to remember that people react to stress differently. People respond to stressful situations in a different manner.
People don’t have the same coping mechanisms and symptoms. They vary from one person to another. For that reason, different stress busters work for different people.7 Must-know Facts about Stress
There are many facts about stress that most people aren’t aware of. The more you know about stress, the more equipped you become, and managing it should be easy. Below are the seven facts about stress you probably didn’t know.
1. Stress is a hormonal response from the body
One of the most interesting facts about stress is that it’s the body’s hormonal response. Reactions to stress are linked to increased secretion of hormones[4] such as cortisol and adrenaline. Secretion of hormones such as vasopressin, growth hormone, and catecholamines may also be impaired during stress response. Stressful events can trigger a cascade of stress hormones that lead to physiological symptoms.
2. Women appear more prone to stress than men
Women are more prone to stress and stress-related disorders due to several reasons. They face unique stressors due to societal expectations and hormonal fluctuations. Studies confirm[5] that men and women react to stress differently both psychologically and biologically. Women’s hormone makeup is one important factor in stress response which makes them more prone to stress.
3. Stress is controlled by your nervous system
One of the most important facts about stress is that your autonomic nervous system controls it. The autonomic nervous system directly influences stress response. It is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. When your body is stressed, the sympathetic nervous system activates the “fight-or-flight” mechanism by sending signals to adrenal glands to produce hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This allows you to experience stress symptoms such as a fast heart rate.
4. Stress may increase how often you get sick
Stress affects your immune system due to the hormone cortisol. In short spurts, cortisol can limit inflammation and benefit the immune system. However, when cortisol levels[6] are constantly up, your body may get used to the high level which can cause inflammation. When that happens, your immune system’s ability to fight off pathogens and invaders is suppressed.
5. Stress makes you sad
Sadness is one of the facts about stress that you must also remember. Chronic stress can trigger the feeling of being unhappy. Stress can be overwhelming and frustrating which takes its toll on your mental health. The feeling of guilt can also lead to sadness. Stress causes changes in the brain[7] and may even block specific genes and can make you feel sad. That’s why stress-related disorders may occur too.
6. Stress could cause daytime sleepiness
Stress has a major impact on your circadian rhythm and quality of sleep. Many people struggle with insomnia in times of stress. Lack of sleep during the night could translate to excessive daytime sleepiness. Being sleepy during the day could also stem from stress-induced exhaustion.
7. Stress may lead to weight gain
The last among these facts about stress is weight gain as a result of stress. This occurs through several mechanisms of action[8] such as interfering with cognitive processes associated with self-regulation and impairing leptin and ghrelin (hormones of hunger and satiety). Additionally, stress increases cravings for unhealthy foods, disrupts sleep, and promotes a sedentary lifestyle.
Stress Management Tips
Now that you know all the interesting facts about stress, it’s important to understand the importance of being proactive. There’s a lot you can do to manage stress and reduce its impact on your quality of life.
These stress busters will help you out:
- Get informed about stress management
- Experiment with different stress busters
- Keep a daily routine i.e. remain organized
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep every night
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Connect with others and socialize more
- Limit exposure to news and social media
- Engage in relaxing practices and activities such as meditation, yoga, reading, writing
You can try NUU3 Keep Calm Gummies to relieve emotional stress. Its rapid-acting formulation alleviates tension and anxious feelings frequently experienced by individuals and are safe to use regularly without risking addiction or negative side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who suffers from stress most?
Everyone suffers from stress to some degree, but women[9] who work full-time and have children under the age of 13 are affected the most. Women face various societal and gender-specific pressures which make them more prone to stress-related disorders.
What has the highest stress impact?
The highest stress impact comes from major life changes such as separation or divorce, sudden unemployment, moving, death of a loved one, and major illness or injury.
What does stress feel like?
Stress comes in the form of physical and emotional strain. You may feel irritable, anxious, angry, or overwhelmed. Stress also feels like your heart is racing and your muscles are tense.
Bottom Line
Stress affects people in many ways. You can lessen its impact by working proactively and establishing your stress management techniques. Learn the different facts about stress, always seek professional medical advice, and engage in therapeutic activities. These and the techniques shared in this article should help you combat the effects of stress. Additionally, if you're looking to improve your health in general, consider NUU3 Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies for a healthy diet and weight loss, or NUU3 Nature's Superfuel for potent daily nourishment.
References
1] ↑https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6208049/
2] ↑https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/latest-news/today-in-security/2022/october/too-stressed-to-function/
3] ↑https://www.stress.org/daily-life
4] ↑https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079864/
5] ↑https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3425245/
6] ↑https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6383636/
7] ↑https://www.science.org/content/article/why-stress-makes-you-miserable
8] ↑https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9362746/
9] ↑https://www.depression-anxiety-stress-test.org/stress/who-suffers-from-stress.html
Amr
Amr Adel Helmy is a 29-year-old pharmacist who has established himself as an experienced medical content writer. He holds a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the esteemed Faculty of Pharmacy at Alexandria University. Amr's passion for writing stemmed from his interest in healthcare, and he combined his knowledge of the medical field with his creative flair to become a proficient content writer. Throughout his career, Amr has worked on various projects, including medical articles, research papers, and informative blog posts for clients in the healthcare industry. He has a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and can translate complex medical jargon into easily understandable language for the general public. Amr's dedication to his craft is reflected in the quality of his work, and his attention to detail ensures that each piece of content he writes is accurate, informative, and engaging. When he's not working, Amr enjoys reading about the latest advancements in healthcare and spending time with his loved ones.
