Stress can make the body vulnerable to other diseases by weakening the immune system. David Beaton found that chronic stress often leads to diminished capabilities of the body’s immune system. Beaton cites studies that found that college students had lower levels of T-cells and lower responses to mitogens during exam period. During this period, there were also an increased incidence of sickness like respiratory tract infections. (Beaton, online).
Acute stress is usually accompanied by tension, characterized by tight muscles that feel hard when touched. Irritability, jumpiness and an obvious incapacity to concentrate can also signal that a person is under excessive stress. WebMD lists rapid heartbeat, stiff neck, tight shoulders, headaches, backaches, rapid breathing, sweating, nausea, diarrhea and upset stomach as the common symptoms of stress (WebMD, online). There are many different techniques to handle stress, or at least decrease it.
Rojas and Kleiner suggests breathing, exercising, massaging and meditation. They also point out that it is also important to hydrate the body, sit adequately, think positive, have faith, be well-rested, be organized in both work and personal life, talk to others (87). Stress is a natural biological response, and is intended by nature to benefit the organism to survives. Like everything on this earth, however, it is a problem when one is under stress more often than not.
The implications are frightening, stress can directly or indirectly bring about a host of life-threatening diseases and illnesses. Surprisingly, it can easily be detected and avoided. Learning to care for the body, avoiding stressful situations, and learning to let go might just be the key for a longer life.
References
Stress Management – Effects of Stress. WebMD. Retrieved May 20, 2008 from Healthwise, Inc. Web site: http://www. webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-effects-of-stress Beaton, David. (2003). Effects of Stress and Psychological Disorders on the Immune System. Retrieved May 20, 2008 from Rochester Institute of Technology. Web site: http://www. personalityresearch. org/papers/beaton. html Beware! Stress Could Cause Serious Long-Term Effects. Retrieved May 20, 2008 from StressFocus. Com. Web site: http://www. stressfocus. com/stress_focus_article/stress-effects-on-body. htm