Good Stress, Bad Stress, Bye Stress

Stress affects every living person, whether you realize it or not. Stress causes about 54 percent of Americans to fight with people they are closest to – from friends, family, and even colleagues at work. One out of every four people report that they have been alienated from a friend or family member because of stress, with 8 percent connecting stress to divorce or separation, according to the American Psychology Association.

What is stress? Stress is the way your body responds to any change that necessitates a modification or reaction. The human body replies to these changes with emotional, mental, and physical responses caused by the sudden release of cortisol and adrenaline. Stress can help you ascend to meet challenges. On the other hand, it can reach a certain point where it is no longer a healthy or positive stress, but instead a harmful and negative type of stress that can cause harm to your overall health, attitude, relationships, and quality of life.

What causes stress? You can experience stress from many different factors such as the environment around you, personal thoughts, work, relationships with friends and family, health problems, and major life changes. Even positive life changes such as a marriage, new house, new car, promotion, or the birth of a child can produce stress. It is important to remember that stress is a common response to these changes, whether big or small, and we need to understand how to appropriately deal with it.

Common symptoms from stress: There are many different symptoms that can be present when experiencing negative stress. Some of the most common symptoms are dizziness, fogginess, light headedness, acne, aches, pains, tensing of muscles, headaches, loss of sleep, excessive sweating, trembling, gastrointestinal issues including constipation or diarrhea, extreme weight gain or loss, and sexual difficulties.

How to reduce stress? Anyone can learn how to reduce their daily stress to help live a happier lifestyle. The main key to reducing stress is recognizing what factors play a role in adding negative stress to your everyday life. Remain positive and confident in yourself. Healthy eating habits along with regular exercise will help your body combat the stressors in your life. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep and listen to your body’s requests.

What to do when the basics are not enough? Dr. Dharia and his team at Palm Beach Internal Medicine are here to help. Give them a call if you or a loved one is battling with stress. PBIM specializes in primary care and can determine the proper plan for each individual case to help get them back on the right track and enjoying a less stressed lifestyle.