The term stress has already been named colloquially. But sometimes when we use a word so much, we forget the true meaning. Stress derives f...
Stress derives from the English "stresse" which referred to suffering, oppression, and pain. Later, the term was introduced to the biological sciences to denote a syndrome produced by various harmful agents whose purpose is to achieve the adaptation of an organism to its environment.
Renowned authors speak that stress denotes the effect of aversive stimuli that seriously disturb homeostasis (mechanisms of its internal environment to maintain life) on the physiological constants and the behavior of living beings.
This means that stress is not always bad.
Stress is the set of elements that "force" living beings to evolve to survive. This evolution is what has characterized humanity.
However, prolonged stress is what can work against people, having strong conditions. Within these conditions, is the immune system.
How stress affects the immune system
The physiological system of the human being is programmed to stay adapted and to live. Within this schedule, it is expected that it will be modified when necessary to respond to the demands of the environment.
For example, when faced with danger, the body secretes certain substances so that it can behave appropriately in the face of that reality. That is, there is adrenaline for you to either fight or flee. When resolved, it can be changed back to its previous state; This is when you can identify by being in situations that generate anxiety, or that generate fear. Those sensations are precisely what your body secretes, so that you feel just that, and move to find a solution.
The biggest problem arises when that "danger" factor is present for a long time. Then the body does not return to its natural state. It continues to secrete a series of substances, which are not those of normalized operation. He concentrates all his energy on being in a position of alert, of attack. This affects the systems that must function regularly, such as metabolism, or of course, the immune system, the latter is the one that helps against diseases such as infections or respiratory tract.
How to strengthen yourself in the face of latent stress?
There are situations that are not resolved quickly and that last a considerable time. It is important, therefore, to know what are the possible strategies to relieve stress.
1. Basic physics
When a force is applied to a mass, it produces movement. Assuming that stress was metaphorically a force on the body, the body needs movement to make room for that force.
This means moving towards solution options, -if you are clear about it. If not, moving your body always helps release that tension. Dancing, exercising, hiking, cleaning the house, moving around. Movement helps release stress.
2. Name your emotions
We have the social conditioning of always appearing to be well. Even in the greeting, it is already standardized in a «how are you?», To which everyone is used to both answering and hearing «well, thank you».
This takes us far from personal reality. Sometimes the answer is not "okay," as we are not. This does not mean that we answer the truth of what we live to anyone, but we can choose people to whom we share our true feelings. This social norm makes it difficult for us to detect what our emotions are. But being able to name your bodily sensations will give you a clue as to what you feel. Talking to someone looking for the answer, sharing your thoughts and feelings, can help you find the central point to resolve in your life. Talk about yourself, about your emotions. If you have no one to do it with, write them down, draw them, translating them into a work of art that can help you discover it.
3. Laugh
Sometimes we take life too seriously and forget that, for better or for worse, we will not get out of it alive. Laugh a little. Look for jokes, funny videos, there is even a technique called laughter therapy, which tells how we can fool our body. That is, while you laugh, no matter how fake it is, your body will be moving the muscles that are laughing, and will begin to secrete the substances of laughter and well-being.
4. Seek help
Always seeking professional help is an option. They will be able to accompany you to find out what the stressors are, in order to find a solution that reduces stress in your life. It will surely accompany you to seek actions that promote your well-being in all aspects of your life.
5. Develop your spirituality
Regardless of whether you profess a religion, and what it is, the existential meaning of your life will be a great support or a great obstacle in the face of adversity in your life. Work on being clear about your meaning of life, and the ultimate goal of it. And if within this you can glimpse the existence of a supreme being, trust. Trust their plans; trust that the road, even if it is difficult, can be that golden opportunity to grow as a person. Even to grow spiritually.
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