How to control stress

Stress

Stress is your body's way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you sense danger whether it's real or imagined the body's defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction or the "stress response." The stress response is the body's way of protecting you.

The situations and pressures that cause stress are known as stressors. We usually think of stressors as being negative, such as an exhausting work schedule or a rocky relationship. However, anything that puts high demands on you can be stressful

Can stress kill you ?

There are a number of ways chronic stress can kill you," says Aldwin. That includes increased levels of cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, and increase blood pressure, cholesterol and heart disease.

Severe Stress and Depression Increase Risk of Early Death. ... People in the study who had high levels of both stress and depression were 48 percent more likely todie or have a heart attack during the study period, compared with the group that had low levels of stress and depression, the researchers said.

What stress can do to your body?

Being able to recognize common stress symptoms can give you a jump on managing them. Stress that's left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

During the stress response, you breathe faster in an effort to quickly distribute oxygen-rich blood to your body. Stress hormones cause your blood vessels to constrict and divert more oxygen to your muscles so you'll have more strength to take action. But this also raises your blood pressure.

Is stress a good thing?

In fact, stress can help you accomplish tasks more efficiently. It can even boost memory. Stress is also a vital warning system, producing the fight-or-flight response. When the brain perceives some kind of stress, it starts flooding the body with chemicals like epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol.

Good Stress Motivates You. Good stress, also called eustress, can propel you forward and help you achieve more goals, ultimately leading to more happiness, success, or fulfillment. These are generally relatively short bouts of stress (acute stress) and provide motivation to get something done or overcome an obstacle.

How can I relieve stress ?

The 10 ways that you can relieve your stress.

• Take slow, deep breaths. Or try other breathing exercises for relaxation. 
• Soak in a warm bath.
• Listen to soothing music.
• Practice mindful meditation. The goal of mindful meditation is to focus your attention on things that are happening right now in the present moment. 
• Identify your fears.
• Take five deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. 
• Ask yourself, “how bad could it be?” 
• Take a long walk. 
• Realize that your brain is playing tricks on you.
• Attempt Cognitive Distancing. Try to see your anxious thoughts as guesses not facts.