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The Physical Effects of Stress

The stress response occurs in form of neuro-endocrine activity in which the brain acts like an orchestra conductor and directs a barrage of neural and endocrine hormones to target various organs of the body. The cardiac output increases in form of heart rate and stroke volume. The digestive system is impaired. The blood pressure rises. The pupils dilate. There is an increased activity in the metabolism, sweat glands, brain and respiratory system. The arteries and blood vessels may become thick reducing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. The result is heart attack.

The immune system becomes very weak. The subject becomes susceptible to colds, rheumatoid arthritis, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and many other health problems.

Changes in Behavioural Patterns

Over-stressed people take to alcoholic drinks or smoking to gain immediate chemical relief from the stress. Some persons develop insomnia while others sleep fitfully. Overstrain leads to negligence towards health problems.

The Effects on Performance

The impaired state of physical and mental health affects the subject’s efficient and productive performance of duties. The nature of the competitive work culture calls for a rational, calm, controlled and sensitive approach to deal with the difficult problems at work. An overstressed person can become over or under aggressive in the complex matrix of inter personal relationships which may adversely affect the quantity and quality his work.

A stressed person gets easily distracted from his work because of persistent anxieties, doubts and negative thoughts. These negative associations compete with the creative energy required for the efficient performance of the tasks. The attention capacity, active memory, and concentration of the subjects suffer badly. The focus narrows as our brain becomes crowded with unhealthy obsessions. The stress reduces a person’s ability to deal with huge amount of data that has to be processed and analyzed. A stressed person persists on the old track and ignores the better options.

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Quotes from the Team at Stress Management
~ to help you relieve stress in your life ~

Blame is a senseless action. You are the master of your own destiny, you can achieve whatever you desire and the only force that stands in your way is your own fear. So utilise your power to decide and do it!

DISCLAIMER
Our mission is to sustain healthy stress free living. The information accessed through this website is for educational and positive self awareness purposes. It should not in any way replace professional advice where appropriate.