The Effects of Stress

The health effects of stress and anxiety are caused by what we are mostly thinking about and our self-talk.  Other outside sources can also help worsen the effects of stress on our body and mind. When all around you are stressing out then it becomes contagious. Everyone then becomes part of the problem and not the solution.

Negative energy and negative self-talk then become negative conversations which then gets expanded and expanded.  Downward spiral with no way out.

Nations and even the world can be affected by the stress levels of the people, worldwide stress causes everyone to act and react from their fight or flight responses.

When everyone is feeling the effects of global stress there are fewer people to calm things downs and create positive and rational behavior.  COVID 19  has caused major stress worldwide. No matter where in the world you are, COVID is a part of the media cycle.

What can you do about it?

Reducing stress can be a challenge for most so, therefore, using your tools to de-stress is crucial.  Everyone knows the basic de-stress tools like meditation, deep breathing, exercise, etc.   However when all around you are stressing out how do you protect yourself from getting effects of stress?

Take a look at the diagram above of your face.  You can see how points on your face affect a corresponding organ.

This is why it is so important to combat stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. Constant stress causes your organs to react.   Sometimes people will think it is what they are eating and drinking, which is also a contributing factor, but most people tend to not think their stress levels are causing illness.

Effects of stress increase your blood pressure, increase your heart rate and your body reacts to the fight or flight response.  This in turn shuts down your digestive system and you start to get stomach issues, IBS, weight gain, bloating, and general ill-health. Some people also get stress headaches too.

Sometimes people will think it is what they are eating and drinking, which is also a contributing factor, but most people tend to not think their stress levels are causing illness and disease.

There are stressful times to come in the World and how you as an individual deal with those stressors will determine how the people around you are reacting to you.

Also, remember pets also respond differently when they are living in a stressful household.

Right now there has never been a better reason to make sure you are part of the positive change.

 Limit your time spent watching and listening to the media.  Mostly the media excels at negative coverage.

Listen to positive and uplifting affirmations.   

Volunteer for a group less fortunate than yourself.  Getting involved in charities is always a positive experience because you are making decisions and taking actions to make a positive change for others. This brings down stress levels for you and the people you are helping.

People who live alone can be more prone to stress and depression.  If you know of anyone who does live alone then check in with them and make sure they are looking after themselves and staying positive.

The world is becoming an even smaller place than it ever was and the rising waters, global warming, and the changes in the balance of the controlling leaders of the world are taking its toll on many people.

Be the change you wish to see in the world!

There are many who worry and stress about the planet all the time and what is going to happen to it and how feeble they feel.
This is more true for the younger generations. Millennials are the most stressed generation along with Gen X in 2016.

This does make sense as these age groups are bringing up children, building careers and homes, and making life-changing decisions. These new generations also have more access to information than any generation previously.  As such, their stress levels are higher at a much younger age.

The amount of children that are on anti-depressants is astounding.  17 Million worldwide……..

Today, children 5 years old and younger are the fastest-growing segment of the non-adult population prescribed antidepressants in the U.S. Children as young as 4 have attempted suicide while influenced by such drugs and 5-year-olds have committed suicide.

Between 1995 and 1999, antidepressant use increased 580% in the under 6 population and 151% in the 7-12 age group. In 2004, the FDA ordered that a “black box” label be placed on antidepressants warning that they can cause suicide in children and adolescents.

Affect of stress on children are often ignored – Speak to your children no matter how old they are and find out what worries them.  There are other solutions for your child apart from taking medications.

Let them know they are safe at home and in their immediate surroundings.

Let them know it is ok to share their feelings, they need to feel validated.

Deal with your own feelings surrounding what is stressing you out so that you are more relaxed.

Spending time with your children without stressing reassures them things are safe and there is less for them to be worried about.

Teach your children how to Journal and express themselves through writing or drawing.  Also, a great idea for the adults to be journalling as well, which is a great way to reduce stress and get all your thoughts out of your head.

There are several communities getting together to raise the energy levels and there are great reasons for joining or at least listening to some of them.

Please share this with others and be part of the positive change we are all looking for.

Thank You…..