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STRESSED spelled backwards is DESSERT. There is nothing sweet about the effects of stress on your body, however.
Stress does not discriminate by age or sex. It has no religious preference or ethnic barriers. The problem isn’t necessarily stress itself but how you handle it that can make a difference in your life.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise says there are two types of stress. Acute (short-term stress) is the body’s instant response to a situation that seems demanding or dangerous. Chronic (long-term stress) is caused by stressful situations that last over a long period of time.
Common symptoms of stress can include a fast heartbeat, a headache, a stiff neck and/or tight shoulders, back pain, fast breathing, sweating and sweaty palms. It even can consist of an upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea, according to WebMD.
Constant stress can weaken your immune system. Problems that already have arisen from stress can become worse. Stress can affect your skin by making acne and psoriasis more problematic. It even has been linked to low fertility and erectile problems.
Heart disease is the leading disease linked to stress. Dr. Tarani Chandola, a senior lecturer in UCLA’s department of epidemiology and public health, the first author of the EHJ study, said: “Stress at work is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, but the mechanisms underlying this association have remained unclear until now.”
“Your body handles good stress and bad stress about the same,“ said Dr. Ken Brantly of Amarillo Medical Specialists. “What’s important is how you handle stress. Of course, it depends if it’s something you can do something about or not. Something you cannot do something about is significantly worse. You need to try and relax.”
In diabetics, stress can be verified in meter readings.
“In significant stress, we see people who have been notified about a death,” Brantly said. “I will find out about it because I am looking at their meter downloads. Trend isn’t bad, and then it’s really bad and gradually comes back down.
“Mid-term week can also be bad for two reasons. One is your stress level is high anyways. Plus your schedule is usually in the toilet.“
Amarillo College students find different ways to de-stress. Don’t be surprised to find out that the most popular method of releasing stress is exercise. Whether students are just out of high school or are older students, they have similar de-stressing techniques.
Running outside was the most popular method in an unscientific survey. Pam Bryant, a photography technology major, and Jordan Campbell, a business administration major, like to run outside. Both said they like the change of scenery.
Other college students also find relaxation by exercising. “I love distance cycling and competing,” said Easton Rosenbach, an engineering and computer science major. “It helps me take my mind off things and keep in shape.”
Evan Chandler, a general studies major, skates for fun with grind plate roller blades. He also enjoys street skating. Chandler skates at Amarillo skate parks. “It’s really good exercise,” he said. “It’s intense and gives you a rush. I feel good afterwards.”
Skate park skating is popular. The parks are busy with people day and night. They range from children as young as 5 to adults.
The favorite way to relax for Amy Franks, an art-graphic design major, is playing computer games. Franks doesn’t have a particular Web site she uses most. And she said she has several methods she uses to unwind. “I also like to read in a quiet place,” she said. “It helps me to relax, and it’s the only way I can go to sleep.” She said she likes to drink a glass of red wine. That’s something she and Bryant have in common.
How would you like to have a stress-free life? Aaron Cappilla, a business administration major, said he doesn’t have much stress. “I ride my bike occasionally,” he said. Cappilla admitted that choosing AC helped him to have less stress.
Campbell said he works out twice a week at the West Texas A&M University Activity Center. AC offers similar activities at Carter Fitness Center.
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