CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The first Wednesday in November is designated Stress Awareness Day, a national reminder to keep your stress levels in check. There is no clear diagnosis of stress as it affects everyone in different ways. While some may have more effective ways of managing stress it is important to understand the warning signs and dangers too much stress can impose on the body.

Stress is one of the body’s natural responses to stimuli. For example, stress can help a marathon runner finish a race. Too much stress, however, starts to generate a negative impact on the body.

Studies show 77 percent of Americans regularly experience the physical symptoms caused by stress. Nearly 48 percent say that stress has had a negative impact on their personal and professional life.

The top common causes of stress, according to The American Institute of Stress include: Job Pressures, Money, Health, Relationship, Poor Nutrition, Media Overload, and Sleep Deprivation.

However, in a 2019 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association nearly one-third of Americans say the fear of mass shootings is one of their main causes of stress. This tops the charts as a leading cause of stress among adults over 18.

Living with an abundance of stress begins to take a toll on the body. The body’s response to stress is to send the nervous system into high alert, releasing those ‘fight of flight’ hormones. Stress causes a faster heartbeat, muscles to tense, and rapid breathing. When faced with acute, short term stress, the body can recover quickly.

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Chronic stress, or stress that stays activated for a long period of time, can lead to serious health concerns. People suffering the long- term effects of stress may see high blood pressure, depression, heart attack, weight gain, heartburn, and even skin problems.

Managing stress can make a positive difference on your health and may reverse the effects stress imposes on the body. According to WebMD, women with heart disease lived longer if they underwent a stress management program.

There are several universally recommended ways to combat the effects of stress on the body.

  1. Maintaining a healthy support network. Find a supportive group of friends, co-workers, or a community group. Making human connection and finding healthy outlets for stress relief provides a long-term quality solution to stress.
  2. Get a hobby. Find a release for your stress. Having a hobby allows your mind to break away from the stressful situation and focus on something that generates a more positive experience. Examples include walks in nature, woodworking, yoga and meditation.
  3. Restful Sleep. The ability to break away from stressful situations and allow your body to rest alleviate some of the symptoms of stress. Do you have trouble sleeping?
  4. Engage in regular physical exercise. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain, the body’s natural defense to stress.