The technical definition of stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous.
Stress is your body's reaction to a challenge or demand. Sometimes, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline. However, when stress lasts for a long time, it has negative effects on your health.
There are two main types of stress:
Acute stress. This is short-term stress that goes away after the event that caused it passes.. You feel it when you slam on the brakes, or ski down a steep slope. It helps you manage dangerous situations. It also occurs when you do something new or exciting. All people have acute stress at one time or another and it’s healthy
Chronic stress. This is stress that lasts for a longer period of time. You may have chronic stress if you have money problems, an unhappy marriage, or trouble at work. Any type of stress that goes on for weeks or months is chronic stress. You can become so used to chronic stress that you don't realize it is a problem. If you don't find ways to relive or manage your stress, it may lead to health problems.
What stress does to your body
Your body reacts to stress by releasing hormones. These hormones make your brain more alert, cause your muscles to tense, and increase your pulse. In the short term, these reactions are good because they can help you handle the situation causing stress or do better on a test . This is your body's way of protecting itself. When you have chronic stress, your body keeps releasing those hormones even though there is no danger. Over time, this puts you at risk for health problems, such as, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression or anxiety, skin problems, and/or menstrual problems. If you already have a health condition, chronic stress can make it worse. Stress can cause many types of physical and emotional symptoms. Sometimes, you may not realize these symptoms are caused by stress. Here are some signs that stress may be affecting you:
Diarrhea or constipation
Forgetfulness
Frequent aches and pains
Headaches
Lack of energy or focus
Sexual problems
Stiff jaw or neck
Tiredness
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Upset stomach
Use of alcohol or drugs to relax
Weight loss or gain
Dehydration