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The Effect of Work Stress on the Body

Any kind of stress, including work stress, can reek havoc on a person's health. Stress effects can show up in the immune system, in blood sugar, and in the cardiovascular system. In fact, stress symptoms are so pervasive that researchers and doctors are still unable to produce a definitive list of the results of stress and what causes the human body to go wrong.

This means that stress symptoms can produce stress effects that doctors still don't even know about.

What The Stress Symptoms Are

The effect of stress can be defined as any change that requires an emotional, physical or mental response or adjustment. Anything that boldly interrupts your daily routine or nightly sleep can have a cumulative effect on the body and brain.

How Work Stress Works

Researchers have found that chronic exposure to stress overloads the brain with hormones intended for only short-term use in emergency situations. The powerful hormones which are released as a result of stress include corticosteroids, cortisol, and a multitude of others things released from the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

These hormones are released in order to help the body cope with the effect of stress, but continued exposure to them can cause some serious mental and physical health issues.

There are specific situations researchers have found that increase the work stress level in almost all individuals. Some of these events are: divorce, death of a child or spouse, jail time, change in residence and/or financial situation and pregnancy. In all actuality, any major life change, whether it is positive or negative, is stressful.

Common physical illnesses that can be considered to be results of stress are: insomnia, headaches, colitis, irritable bowl syndrome, infection, colds, skin issues and heartburn. Mental stress symptoms include anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances.

How You Can Help Your Body

Eliminating all stress from your life is impossible, but by implementing some stress reduction techniques, many people are able to counteract some of the harmful effect of stress. Some stress management techniques that are useful to everyone are following a healthy, well-rounded diet, getting regular exercise and making time for uninterrupted sleep for 7-9 hours each night.

Other techniques used to manage and control stress symptoms include deep breathing, meditation, imagery and staying mindful of the present situation. Don't become overwhelmed by everything on the 'to do' list in life. Talking to friends and family can also play an important part in reducing stress symptoms. Taking time for a walk or other favorite activity is another good option.

Chronic and significant stress effects will cause damaging health problems to all who experience it. The most important thing you can do for yourself is damage control by using stress reduction techniques and emotional support. Through appropriate intervention, even those undergoing consistent work stress will be able to reduce any long-term stress effects on their health.

The previous article is on Symptoms of Stress Disorders.

Other wiki resources: set goals; delegating authority; things that rob your time; procrastination; anger control