Chronic stress has nothing to do with petty everyday troubles. This is a state of constant combat readiness that depletes our body. And you shouldn’t turn a blind eye to it.
Coloring books and anti-stress toys, stress-resistance training, relaxation music, massages, vitamins — the demand for goods and services that help to relax is constantly growing, and this is not surprising.
Hundreds of articles have been written about the dangers of nervous strain: studies say that it contributes to the development of depression, obesity, heart disease and cancer, impairs memory and leads to premature aging. To what extent does this correspond to reality?
“Today, neuroscientists distinguish between two types of stress – acute and chronic,” explains Yakov Kochetkov. — Acute stress, as a quick reaction to an unexpected situation, is safe for the body. For example, you decide to take a dip in icy water without being a walrus. In the first seconds of diving, stress hormones are released — adrenaline, and then cortisol. The pressure rises, the pulse quickens, the immune system of the body is mobilized for a while.
If you immediately jumped out of the water and dressed warmly, the recovery phase begins when other hormones are thrown out — anabolic. They reduce pressure, reduce the pulse, renew energy reserves.
We can endure many such «seesaws»: our ancestors, having survived in thousands of dangerous situations, passed on to us the ability to adapt.
But under chronic stress, recovery does not occur.
«Neuroscientists have even proposed a special term» allostasis «- a state of constant readiness for danger under the influence of cortisol,» says the psychologist. “It is “allostatic overload” that is dangerous to health — it leads to the development of hypertension, increases the risk of diabetes.”
However, not all long-term stress can be called chronic. Periodic quarrels with loved ones, conflicts with the boss, road incidents are unpleasant, but they are unlikely to lead to serious health problems as long as they alternate with episodes of peace and recovery (by the way, meditation, coloring and other relaxation techniques are good helpers in this).
When the stressful situation is «hopeless» — your work is associated with high responsibility or you are exhausted caring for a sick relative, you cannot turn off even for a while, sleep little, and use only cigarettes and alcohol as a sedative, then changes are necessary. And not necessarily in the way of life.
“Sometimes it is enough to reconsider your attitude to the loads,” emphasizes Yakov Kochetkov. “If you find a special meaning in overcoming difficulties and consciously accept them, this can be a powerful resource for adapting even to chronic stress.”