Stress part 1

General overview: In this issue, we begin a new series on the topic of stress. We will look at the causes of stress, health impact, foods which help to alleviate or aggravate stress, environmental triggers, and suggestions for combating stress and living a more balanced lifestyle. We will also explore the spiritual renewal we find in Christ as we are reminded in 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you”.  

So what is stress? Stress is the body’s natural response  psychologically and physiologically to events, both positive and negative that upset our personal balance in some way. These events or demands we call stressors as it forces us to adjust or brings an element of change. This impacts our coping skills and capacity to adapt and we experience the body’s biological stress response. 

When facing a highly pressured situation, the body produces higher levels of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline which causes changes such as the constriction and dilation of arteries, increased breathing and rapid heart rate.  Numerous others signs and symptoms can also occur which we will explore in the next issue.

The causes of stress are highly individual but can be placed into three broad categories of stressors namely: pressures, frustrations and conflicts. If these stressors involve central aspects of your life or persist for extended periods of time they are more likely to result in severe distress and disruption of daily functioning with resulting negative physical and emotional impact.

An article in USA today entitled, “A Mess of Stress” carried the results of a survey identifying the major sources of stress for typical Americans. The research was conducted on 501 adults by Research and Forecast Icl. The results identified the following:36% stated that work was the biggest source of stress in their lives22% sited money10% said children7% said health5% stated marriage5% sited parents19% asserted that they had little stress in their daily lifeOnly 5% said that they had no stress at all.   To assess your level of stress try Dr Rahe’s Life Changes Stress Test . It will be most revealing! Yes, life can be stressful but we live it with hope in God.Until next time, consider this thought:  “A person whose mind is quiet and satisfied in God is in the pathway to health” E.G.White Mind, Character and Personality vol 2 p 403  Good health!