50 types of stress

The impact of stress on our lives has been increasing for over 80 years. Currently, 77% of people in our society suffer from physical and 73% from psychological symptoms caused by stress. The most common reasons for this are conflicts in the work environment, financial problems, and the fast pace of our daily lives. This, it must be said, is only the tip of the iceberg. Do we have methods to cope with stress in our lives? Are these methods even beneficial to us?

In 1936, Hans Selye, a physiotherapist and endocrinologist, tried to define stress as "the nonspecific response of the body to any demand for change." Nevertheless, such a definition is rather broad and imprecise. It is no wonder that the same doctor said in an interview: "Everyone knows what stress is, but no one really knows much about it."

Although it is difficult for us to define the nature of stress, we can still understand its negative effects on life due to many individual experiences.

The effects and the balance of losses

According to a study by the American Institute of Stress, the number of illnesses associated with excessive tension is very large. The literature cites some examples from the fields of immunology, cardiology, and neurology - such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, muscle tension, palpitations, teeth grinding, overeating, or food aversion. As a result, the most common psychological signals of exceeding the acceptable stress level are initially nervousness, chronic anxiety, lack of energy, tendency to cry, and even insomnia, which can also affect younger people. Regarding the latter group, researchers have conducted many studies - especially concerning the effects on the development of children born to overstrained mothers. It seems proven that a pregnancy full of stress, depending on its severity, has a tremendous impact on the formation of the nervous system and immune system of an unborn child. The extent of the problem is also reflected in the annual losses of American employers, which are due to their employees being sick and unable to work because of stress. This amount has been estimated at 300 trillion dollars.

All you need is sleep 

We've all heard of stress; recognize its most common symptoms and cannot deny its impact on younger generations. We also have many clues on how to eliminate it. But do we really know how to remove stress from our lives? It turns out that despite great efforts, this will probably never be fully possible. Stress has always been a part of our lives. Research typically distinguishes between "good" stress and "bad" stress. The good version, eustress, is motivating and expands our abilities. Problems arise when we encounter this stress too often; the dividing line is very thin from any direction and depends on individual factors. According to experts, this line also crosses very quickly. So what should we do to avoid excessive stress? Sleep is the body's natural defense mechanism. Unfortunately, constant tension disrupts this rest and the falling asleep process, leading to an increased CHR hormone level and thus contributing to the inability to enter deep sleep mode. According to researchers, this problem can be alleviated by using heavier blankets or accessories with special filling. Studies in this area have shown that blankets or pillows with weighted filling, weighing about 10% of the user's body weight, have a calming effect, lower cortisol levels, and improve a person's overall health. Furthermore, it is a good idea to reduce daily caffeine intake and remove electronic devices from the bedroom. It is also important to remember to occasionally slow down the pace of life.

Let's not forget that it is best to eliminate the sources of stress rather than looking for remedies.