Work Stress Zen

Chronic stress takes a toll on virtually the entire body, but usually the first place it is noticeable is from the effects it has on our brain. Specifically, our cognition suffers, and persons around us who are accustomed to the way we are will notice marked changes. But stress does not need to take hold of our brain and cognition, reducing us into inefficient workers; as we can do things to restore our mental prowess. Suffering from the cognitive deficits resulting from chronic stress yourself? Find out what todo about it.

Stress is something that we all deal with. And we all have our own ways of dealing with it. One of the most common ways that people deal with stress, especially chronic stress, is eating. When we are stressed, our bodies release a stress hormone called cortisol, as well as the hunger hormone, ghrelin. Ghrelin stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, which tells the body that it wants to eat. Cortisol is what triggers our cravings for foods that are salty, sweet, and fried. In other words, when you are feeling stressed, you suddenly have a strong appetite and an intense desire for foods that give you a burst of energy and pleasure. However, how do you know when you are eating out of hunger and when you are reaching for food because you are stressed?

We all know how stress makes us feel- that is easy to explain. But how much can you say that you know of what is actually happening to the organs and systems in your body that is resulting in these feelings? Not much at all, and in some cases, physical changes do not need to occur- only chemical processes. Regardless, it is good to get a “visualization” of what is going on inside your body, as it helps you develop a greater understanding of the dangerous effects stress can have, and if possible ways to help combat it.

Your world is full of stressors and while a short burst of stress here and there is normal and a part of life, chronic stress is a whole other matter. Exposure to long-term stress can alter your genes, increase inflammation in the body, and cause a wide variety of serious health issues that affect the body and mind.   Learning how to cope with stress in healthy ways is vital to reducing and managing stress, however, there is a variety of unhealthy methods often used by people, who may not even realize that are doing so.   1. Vices 2. Denying There Is A Problem 3. Stress Eating  4. Feeding The Negativity  5. Compulsive Spending 6. Going Into Hibernation  7. Self-criticizing 8. Nail biting 9. Angry or violent outbursts and abuse of others  10. Not eating 11. Surviving on coffee 12. Yelling at co-workers, employees, kids, spouse or friends 13. Social isolation 14. Sitting too much instead of engaging in physical movement 15. Using recreational drugs or abusing mood altering prescription medication

By now, we all know that too much stress is bad for you, but many people fail to determine when that point is reached. The fact is, the body is capable of handling stress- but just to an extent. After that, signs become highly visible that something is going terribly wrong, and sadly, doctors often misdiagnose the root cause.  In addition, being able to identify and link symptoms should set you on the right path to quickly identify when the effects of stress are becoming so compounded, that it can actually kill you. Look out for the following. Premature Aging You Are Always Tired You Are Frequently Sick Or Unwell You Find It Impossible To Lose Weight Your Sex Drive Has Vaporized Your Brain Refuses To Work At 100% Efficiency.  Chest Pains/ Palpitations