Stress

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body's reaction to a challenge or demand. In short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline. But when stress lasts for a long time, it may harm your health.

Signs:
1. Cognitive signs such as difficulty concentrating, worrying, anxiety, and trouble remembering.
2. Emotional signs such as being angry, irritated, fearful, or moody.
3. Physical signs such as high blood pressure, headaches, clammy/sweaty hands, muscle tension and neck pain, changes in weight, frequent colds or infections, teeth grinding, digestive problems, and changes in the menstrual cycle and sex drive.
4. Behavioral signs such as poor self-care, not having time for the things you enjoy, or relying on drugs and alcohol to cope.

Stress-influenced conditions:
1. Cancer;
2. Chronic Pain;
3. Diabetes;
4. Fatigue;
5. Inflammatory diseases;
6. Hair loss;
7. Heart disease;
8. Hyperthyroidism;
9. Obesity;
10. Sexual dysfunction;
11. Skin problems;
12. Sleep disorders;
13. Tooth and gum disease;
14. Ulcers.

Sources:

Fred K., David C. (2024). Stress and your health. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: bit.ly/4jrhZw2.

Elizabeth Scott (2024). How Stress Impacts Your Health Guide. verywellmind. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3E5usWk.

Martha Davis, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, Matthew McKay (2019). The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook. Mardigian library. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3EdEnsI.