Stress

God has designed our minds and bodies to withstand a great deal of stress. Although we have this incredible ability to endure, if stress is prolonged and is extreme, the management systems of the body are overwhelmed.

Got stress?

Any external influence that disturbs the natural functioning and balance of the mind and body results in stress. It can be mental, emotional, or physical strain or distress.

Fight or flight?

The fight-or-flight response is our built-in survival mechanism for addressing a stressful event. Once the response is triggered, physical changes take place in the body in preparation for immediate action. Prolonged stress can cause physical illness (such as asthma, high blood pressure, and ulcers) and mental challenges occur.

Healthy stress?

We cannot eliminate stress in today's world, but we can manage our response to stress. A certain amount of stress is healthy and positive. Healthy stress is not the problem. Unhealthy and prolonged responses to stress are the problem. Negative self-talk triggers the fight-or-flight response in most people.

Burnout

The result of unchecked stress is burnout. These are the warning signs of burnout:

• Exhaustion
• Boredom
• Depression
• Inability to focus
• Physical complaints (backaches, headaches)
• Impatience
• Fatigue
• Isolation
• Withdrawal
• Suicidal ideation

Balance in every area of your life is the key to managing and responding to stress. A healthy strategy for managing stress includes getting plenty of rest, laughter, exercising, forgiving, and having a network of support. Professional therapy can help you put healthy practices in place.