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Today's modern lifestyle is highly stressful and our society seems to be more prone than ever to the symptoms of stress. The manifestations of stress can be mental, physical and emotional.The more severe the stressor (incident causing stress) and the longer the stressor is a threat, the more severe the reactions to the stress will be.

Our reaction to stress is divided into three phases.

  • The first is the immediate reaction to the stress. The body responds according to the "flight and fight" principle. That means that the body responds instinctively to a threat by preparing to either fight or run. Hormones are released that increase the rate of your heart and breathing in order to get more oxygen circulated throughout the body. It also diverts your blood to your extremities so that they have enough oxygen to run or fight. Your pupils dilate, to let in light and enable you to see well. You become more alert and your reaction time increases. All these, and more, are methods to better equip you for an emergency situation. They are controlled by your nervous system and by the release of certain hormones, such as adrenaline.
  • The next phase occurs is if the stressor is still present. It is the adaptation of your body to the stress that it is under. Your body and mind are still in a state of hyper-stimulation but it cannot remain in this state indefinitely.
  • Eventually the final phase will occur. This is the exhaustion phase. Your body has used up its hormones and energy faster than it can renew the stores. You become tired, fatigued, drained.

You may become ill as a result of the continuous strain, and it is well recognised that stress plays a major role in triggering or aggravating a vast number of different diseases. Mild symptoms such as headaches and digestive upsets may occur, as may more serious illnesses. You may become emotionally unable to handle your normal activities and events that normally do not upset you may have a profound effect on your emotions. Confusion, poor concentration and depression may also be a result of stress. Insomnia, irritability, withdrawal, anger, or even a constant desire to sleep may be symptoms of stress.

Events that are likely to cause stress are an abusive home life, financial, marital and health concerns as well as chronic pain. If you are under stress, it is vital that you take time to relax your body and mind and to renew your energy stores before you reach the exhaustion stage. Exams are a common cause of tress in students and scholars. See Exam stress, Edginess, Irritability, Anxiety, Insomnia, Concentration, Fatigue.