The Effects of Stress on Health and Positive Effects of Stress

THE EFFECTS OF STRESS ON HEALTH AND POSITIVE EFFECTS OF STRESS By Course Name Professor’s Name University State, City Date of Submission The Effects of Stress on Health and Positive Effects of Stress Stress is a dominant notion of understanding life and evolution. Almost everyone may suffer from stress on diverse occasions and time. In 1936, Hans Selye defined stress as the non-precision reaction a body has to an ultimatum for alterations (Batson, 2018). Causes of stress encompass, being under a lot of pressure, having overwhelming responsibilities, times of uncertainty, financial hitches, among others (Trescott, 2016). Following the causes, people tend to develop symptoms, both emotional and behavioral. Emotionally, they become restless, impatient, over alerted, having insomnia, and low self-esteemed, while behaviorally, they increase the use of drugs and smoking and becoming violent (Lehrer et al. 2007, p. 7). Stress can be either positive or negative. Diminutive positive stress is crucial in motivating individuals to accomplish their goals and survive in the biosphere. However, when stress builds up to unmanageable levels, it can affect individuals both mentally and physically. Mentally, the consequences involve increased depression, emotional exhaust, and anxiety, among others, while physically, stress can cause heart diseases, high blood pressure, and chronic illnesses (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2016). In extreme cases, premature deaths usually occur. This paper discusses how stress affects our health and the positive effects of stress. Effects of Stress on Health Heart Complications and Diseases Stress is likely to increase the heart rate and blood flow. When under a stressful condition, some individuals are likely to increase their smoking habits, which may put their hearts at risks by depriving some organs of oxygen, forcing the heart to pump more in order to provide sufficient air to the deprived organs (Mills, Reiss and Dombeck, 2008). Blood flow and heart rate increase tremendously, which can result in heart diseases. Stress hormones produced can increase blood pressure levels, which could result in heart failure. Stress can cause the release of cholesterol into the bloodstream, which blocks the heart, veins and arteries, leading to heart diseases and heart attacks (Mills, Reiss and Dombeck, 2008). Respiratory Problems Breathing rate can increase tremendously under stress. The stress hormones affect the respiratory system during the stress response. The breathing rate is increased in an effort to distribute blood rich in oxygen to the body, creating some respiratory complications like asthma. Sociologists have revealed that stress at some point has been the origin of some cases of asthma and other respiratory complications. Additionally, some parents who undergo chronic stress and have smoking habits can put their small kids at high risk of developing asthma and breathing difficulties (Mills, Reiss and Dombeck, 2008). Digestive Complications Stress affects the body’s peptic system in numerous ways. First, it can affect the normal movement of food through your body, resulting in some physical symptoms of stress, such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and stomachache (Mills, Reiss and Dombeck, 2008). Secondly, an increment ...