COMPLILED BY RAJA
Stress is a part of life. Stress happens to everyone
every day as we cope with ordinary events, interact
with people, and meet all kinds of demands. Everyday
things such as rules, work, responsibilities,
decisions, changes, relationships, illness and
money can cause stress.
A little stress is good. It makes you think and
try harder. It stimulates and provides excitement.
The stress of competitive sports, for example,
is enjoyable for most people. But too much stress
or stress that goes on for a long time can become
harmful.
How Does Stress Affect Health?
Stress affects everyone differently. Some people
become anxious or defensive, others become depressed
or withdrawn. Yet others become aggressive or
excited. Stress can also give rise to:
| • |
Fast Heartbeats |
|
• Eating disorders, loss
of appetite or overeating
|
| • |
Tense muscles |
|
• Sleeplessness (insomnia) |
| • |
Headaches, stomachaches and diarrhoea
|
|
• Migraine |
| • |
Being anxious and bad- tempered all
the time |
|
• Stomach ulcers |
| • |
Acting in a defensive or aggressive manner
|
|
• Skin rashes |
| • |
Feeling tired and having trouble
concentrating |
|
|
If stress continues, it may lead to diseases
like:
• High blood pressure, heart attack
• Depression, nervous breakdown or mental
illness
• Worsening of asthma attacks
To control stress effectively, we must first know
what is causing the stress. After that we can
try to find suitable ways to cope with it. We
can also change the way we react to stress.
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/hpb/default.asp?pg_id=1026
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