Blog 2: Stress: The Root of the Problem

Welcome back! Previously on last week’s blog, I discussed the challenges college students have to face when they are introduced to the social hardships and academic obstacles of attending college.The pressure of being a college student is what initiates the feelings of stress in the body.However, like anything, stress can be overcome.But in order for this to happen, first we need to understand the effects of stress on an individual’s body.Today’s topic will explore:“What exactly is stress?”, “How does stress effect the body?”, and lastly, “What are ways to prevent stress from occurring?”Let’s address the first question.According to Stults-Kolehmainen & Sinha, “Stress may be defined as a state of threatened homeostasis, which is counteracted by adaptive processes involving affective, physiological, biochemical, and cognitive-behavioral responses,” meaning stress is the result of a change in the body’s internal balance that can be prevented by other responses in the body, such as physical, chemical, and mental responses (Stults-Kolehmainen & Sinha, 2014, p. 82).

However, stress is only recognized when it has a negative effect on the body. Stress can have detrimental effects on the body, such as increased chances of being diagnosed with coronary heart disease, weakening of the immune system, higher risk of mental dysfunction, constant fatigue, decreased exercise, and increased risk of obesity (Stults-Kolehmainen & Sinha, 2014, p. 83). The effects of stress on the body can be quite dangerous and almost fatal if not treated properly with care. Even so, there are ways to combat the debilitating presence of stress with methods of physical and mental exercise. According to Stults-Kolehmainen & Sinha, individuals who exercise expend more energy and thus “neutralize” the effects of stress on the heart and the rest of the body (Stults-Kolehmainen & Sinha, 2014, p. 84). Speaking from personal experience, physical and mental exercise allows me to relieve all of my pent-up energy on stressful thoughts, so I am able to lift a weight off of my shoulders and get through the day. Plus, immersing myself in nature by being outside to exercise is a great way to calm my body and focus my thoughts on beautiful scenery versus a stressful test that I have to study for. As long as you maintain proper sleeping habits, eat reasonably healthy, and exercise daily, you can expect to make a positive impact on your mental state and well-being to be better prepared for the difficulty of stress on your body (Page, 2019, p. 64). Next week we will initiate the discussion of specific techniques to remain active physically and mentally in your lifestyle. Stay tuned and stay healthy!

Cfurvolunteer (2017)

#exercisedaily #reinventyourself #stressprevention

Please reach out or comment below on any personal experiences that you feel comfortable sharing!

References:

Cfurvolunteer. (2017). Mental health matters ep. 7 exam stress with Ali Thomlinson [Photograph]. CFURadio. Retrieved March 29, 2020, from http://cfur.ca/home/2017/11/22/mental-health-matters-ep-7-exam-stress-with-ali-thomlinson

Page, K. (2019). College mindfulness training reducing student life stress and improving academic performance [e-book]. ProQuest Ebook Central. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/odu/reader.action?docID=5716872

Stults-Kolehmainen, M., A., & Sinha, R. (2014). The effects of stress on physical activity and exercise. National Institutes of Health, 44(1), 81-121. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3894304/pdf/nihms-524273.pdf