Jaclyn Franks, MPH
Purdue Extension, Kosciusko County HHS Extension Educator

Jaclyn Franks

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — What causes you stress? Sometimes this simple question can be difficult to answer.

We all have a variety of different factors in our life that may contribute to our stress level; family, money health, work and so on. I’ve never met a person that has not experienced stress at some point in their life.

While many sources of stress are unavoidable, we must be mindful of the levels of stress that we experience in our lives. Stress not only affects our mind, but it also affects our body. Long term stress can even lead to physical illnesses such as upset stomachs, headaches, depression, and an increased risk for stroke and heart disease. Understanding the connection between our mind, stress and our health can help us better manage our stress and improve our overall well-being.

When we suffer from stress, nerve chemicals and hormones are released into our bloodstream which prepare us to face a threat or flee to safety. This is often called the “flight or fight” response. When we face a stressful situation, our mind perceives that we are in danger and takes action to survive; our pulse quickens, we breathe faster, our muscles tense and our brain uses more oxygen and increases activity.

In the short term, this response is normal and can even boost the immune system. However, with chronic or long-term stress, these same nerve chemicals that are life-saving in short bursts can suppress functions that are not needed for immediate survival. Once the threat has passed, the body systems will begin working normally again, but if the stress response goes on for too long or is constant, the body’s stress response will continue even after the danger has subsided.

Reducing your stress level is very important for making sure your body’s stress response does not go on for too long. When reducing stress, try to focus on things that are in your control (like prioritizing work obligations) and put aside what is out of your control (like the weather).

You can also manage stress by doing physical activity, relaxation, meditation, yoga, tai chi, getting plenty of sleep, eating a balanced diet and working to eliminate stressors. Seek help from your medical provider if you’re not sure stress is the cause of your symptoms or you try to control your stress, but your symptoms continue.

For more information on stress visit, http://www.foh.hhs.gov/calendar/stress.html or contact Jackie Franks at [email protected] or (574) 372-2340.