We have all experienced the pressures associated with being a university student. It can be quite difficult to balance working, exercising, sleeping, maintaining relationships with loved ones and excelling academically. For many students, living in constant stress has become a lifestyle. Stress for a small period of time can be a positive because it keeps us alert and focused. However, when stress becomes overwhelming and lasts for a prolonged period of time, it can cause detrimental effects on overall health and well-being.
Human stress by Becky Wetherington via Wikimedia Commons
According to the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, stress is defined as anything that causes the body to deviate from homeostasis. In other words, a defence mechanism triggered by some form of threat, which causes the body to behave abnormally. Under this situation, the nervous system and adrenal glands release stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol that prepare the body for a “fight or flight” response. This causes the heart to beat faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens and senses become sharper. If this process is working correctly, it can provide the strength and agility needed to defend us in an emergency situation, for example if someone tries to hurt us.
Bath Melancholy by N. Renaud via Wikimedia Commons
Although this emergency response is crucial to our survival, it is necessary for the body to return to its normal state otherwise it takes a toll on various systems. Firstly, if the nervous system is not normalized, chronic stress symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia and headaches persist. These symptoms can cause overeating or not eating enough, excessive intake of drugs or alcohol and social withdrawal. Secondly, chronic stress can also affect the respiratory and cardiovascular system because the heart works too hard. This can potentially cause problems such as hypertension and increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Thirdly, the digestive system is affected which results in heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting or stomachaches. Stress may additionally affect the intestinal tract causing diarrhea or constipation. Fourthly, the muscular system is affected since the muscles are constantly tightened without relaxation. This causes numerous aches all over the body. Fifthly, the reproductive system is affected causing abnormal menstrual cycles for women and a decrease in testosterone levels in men. Lastly, the immune system is drastically compromised causing people to become more prone to infections.
Yoga by Kennguru via Wikimedia Commons
There are many causes of stress other than university, such as sudden life changes, negative attitudes or financial problems. However, there are few ways to deal with symptoms of chronic stress and to ensure that stress does not take over your life. Relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can cause the body to alleviate stress. Exercising is also an excellent tool to relieve stress because it releases hormones that uplift spirit. A healthy diet and sleep promotes better coping mechanisms for stress and clear thinking as well. Additionally, it is important to continuously be kind to ourselves, be confident and have a positive outlook on life. If you believe you can overcome any obstacle, then you will definitely be able to.
Credit: TED-Ed
– Ravjot Ahluwalia
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