When we talk about stress, we’re usually referring to the way we feel, emotionally or physically. It is the way our body responds to different kinds of pressure and demands placed on us. This blog covers the what, why and how – what is stress and how does it impact you, why does it occur and what causes it, and lastly how do you deal with it effectively.

While this is based on extensive research by your coach Manoj Radhakrishna – host at RareErth podcast and seasoned banker, who has curated inputs from various experts in the field, you should not view this blog as a comprehensive resource on stress management. If you are someone who is dealing with chronic stress, it is always a good idea to seek professional help.

How Does Stress Impact You?

Nowadays, with people constantly striving to close a deal or pressured by multiple deadlines at work, stress has become a highly prevalent problem with serious consequences. How serious? It may be fascinating to note that around 75-90% of the people who consult a doctor in the United States, do so for an ailment that is somehow-somewhere related to stress.

That’s not all; studies predict that 13% of children in the future will be suffering from anxiety disorders – a state of perennial worry and fear brought on by stress. Peer pressure is a factor that especially affects younger people in this day and age. A study brought to light that 49% of young adults (especially in the age group of 18-24) are experiencing significant stress on account of constant comparison with their peer group. This has been exacerbated by the increased use of social media, with these youngsters beginning to feel that they are just not good enough.

These are not the only statistics, there are ones that paint an even more stark picture of the state the world is in today. There is said to be a 50% higher mortality rate due to stress, which basically supports the message – stress can kill. So, how do you identify if you or a loved one is affected by chronic stress?

What are Some of the Symptoms?

51% of adults struggling with chronic stress will experience anxiety, weakness and tiredness. They tend to feel exhausted and physically drained throughout the day, without knowing the reason behind it. This is why it is important for you to understand the impact of stress on your body. It doesn’t just take an emotional toll, but affects you physically as well.

If you read up scientifically on this, there are biomarkers in your body which get impacted by stress. These are basically naturally-occurring molecules or genes basis which a pathological or physiological disease can be identified. For instance, the level of the hormone cortisol increases when you’re dealing with chronic stress, which is only supposed to happen when you’re faced with external danger. But thanks to our modern lifestyle and stress factors, cortisol levels are constantly high, and can be dangerous to your health if it rises beyond a certain mark.

There are other impacts or identifiers too. Your metabolism suffers and you experience unusual weight gain (especially around the midsection). Internally, the inflammation of organs increases, along with higher blood pressure and an increased heart rate. In fact, there are studies that show how stress can even impact your memory if left untreated.

Knowing how to deal with stress can be a game-changer for you out there in the real world. It’s a life skill that’s better learned sooner than later, to avoid the negative effects on your mind and body. Stressors are aplenty in these times, so you need a way to overcome them, one that guarantees your peace of mind. In the upcoming post, we explore some of the reasons why stress gets triggered, and understand more about whether they are primarily external or self-created. Keep reading to broaden and deepen your understanding of stress management.