Stress
Stress and our Health
By Brett Cook, MS, CSCS
Experts define stress as the mental and physical response to change. Change in our lives is an ongoing process resulting from the interactions we have with our environment and the choices and decisions we make everyday. Chronic stress may also lead to anxiety. Anxiety is a state of unfocused worry or excessive concern. Most health experts recognize that stress directly affects our health. Chronic stress has been documented to cause a wide variety of health problems including:
- Heart Disease
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Ulcers
- Skin Disorders
- Reduced Immune System Functioning
People must realize that stress is an inevitable part of our daily lives. We must also consider the fact that much of our stress is self-induced resulting from of our busy schedules, poor time management, and lack of personal organization. Individuals should identify and examine factors in their own lives that produce the most stress and find ways to reduce or eliminate them. People should also recognize situations and events in their lives that they have no real control over (weather, traffic, etc.). Luke 12:25 states, “can all your worries add a single minute to your life.” The answer to that question is a definite NO! We do know that stress can take away from your life by causing a host of medical conditions listed above. Finding positive ways to reduce and cope with your stress will help to improve the quality of life God has given us. Exercise, listening to music, or simply taking a walk can provide an excellent outlet for relieving stress. Remember, “a relaxed attitude, lengthens life.” (Prov. 23:20)
Brett Cook, MS, CSCS
Brett Cook, MS, CSCS is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He is a member of the Christ Fellowship HealthCare Advocacy Ministry.
