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The Real Costs of Stress Today

Governments and businesses have regularly highlighted the costs of stress to them in monetary terms. But the real cost is the effect on the lives of the people who suffer from it. Here we give you how stress effects body.

It's impact today

An individual's life can be enormously affected by stress especially when it's excessive and prolonged. Not only their health and working life, but also their friends and family. The strain can be felt by many.

Unfortunately the sufferer is often not aware of the problem, going through their daily lives in a constant state of anxiety. The very nature of the problem, being the ability to cope, leads many to deny it exists and suffer in silence.

Stress master class

As humans we all need to experience stress. It provides us with extra alertness to deal with situations that need physical exertion or special attention. The body can cope if we allow it to, but that can be difficult in today's world. Stressful events can happen repeatedly and without warning causing levels to build and build.

If this continues with no respite symptoms begin to emerge. The ability to think clearly or logically becomes impaired. Activities that were easy become a struggle. Sleep is affected and the situation worsens. At this stage the problem needs to be assessed, for the benefit of the sufferer and those around them.

Coping strategies

If this sounds familiar there are things you can do that will help. One of them is exercise. Exercise uses the stress chemicals up by doing exactly what they were designed for.

Another strategy is to form a different outlook on events that occur, be more accepting. Remember that some things are totally out of your control. Manage your time better and learn to say no to people.

Stress as an issue today

These days stress is becoming more recognized for the real problem it is. Doctors are aware of it, they know the symptoms and have treatments.

Stress for the future though does not look good, the human body continues to evolve far slower than our knowledge. Today's lifestyle is more competitive and physically inactive than it's ever been, and this shows no sign of slowing. Our only hope is for this evolving knowledge to someday bring better treatments.

How to beat stress

Click above for a complete stress management guide.

Symptoms

High blood pressure
Chest pain
Cold hands or feet
Fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Sweaty palms
Skin problems
Irregular heartbeat
Reproductive problems

Further information

The Stress Management Society

The American Institute of Stress