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It is true that we currently live in a society where there is so much competition and every body is trying to meet up.
Every body is struggling,hustling,etc to have a better standard of life but a major issue is that in this struggle for a better life,many have ignored the place of rest, in that they work approximately 24/7 just to make a living without acknowledging the fact that the human body is a bioMECHANICAL device which also needs rest like every other mechanical device or it will have no choice but to break down like every other mechanical device breaks down.
STRESS has taken so many people to the grave.
Statistics has it that over 80% of human body breakdown is as a result of STRESS, and it is on this basis that i want to deliver this little lecture on this subject termed STRESS.

My aim of delivering this lecture is to create an awareness on the dangers of stress to the human health with the hope that many people by this lecture will get saved from the dangers of stress.

Firstly,I'll start by defining stress

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress in it's simplest definition is the body's response to harmful situations,this harmful situations can either be REAL or PERCEIVED. Now,i know someone might ask What does he mean by perceived? I'll answer this question with an instance, *when you feel threatened,a chemical reaction occurs in your body that allows you to act in a particular way in order to prevent injury. This particular reaction is referred to as Fight or Flight response or the Stress Response. Some of the major things that happens during this period of response to stress is Increased Heart Rate, Fast Breathing, Tightening of Muscles, Increment in blood pressure,etc.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF STRESS?

It is important to know that no part of the body is immune to stress. Stress has sufficient capacity to affect every aspect of your life e.g Physical health,emotions,behavior,thinking ability,etc but there are 4 major symptoms of Stress which are;

• PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
• EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
• BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS
• COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS

In Physical Symptoms,you experience things like Headaches, Insomnia, Tense Muscles, Upset stomach like constipation,diarrhoea etc, nausea, Chest Pain, Rapid heartbeat, Frequent cold and infection, Loss of sexual desire and sexual ability,etc

In Emotional Symptoms,you experience things like Avoiding Others, Becoming easily agitated,frustration, moodiness, having difficulty in relaxing and putting your mind together, low self esteem, depression, feeling overwhelmed like you are loosing control or need to take control,etc.

In Behavioral Symptoms,you experience things like Changes in appetite(either not eating or eating too much), Procrastination, Avoiding Responsibilities, Increased use of drugs,alcohol,cigarettes etc, Exhibiting more nervous behaviours,such as nail biting,fidgeting and pacing,etc.

In Cognitive Symptoms, you experience things like Constant Worrying, Racing thoughts, Inability to focus, Poor Judgement, Being Pessimistic, Forgetfulness, Disorganization, etc.

CONSEQUENCES OF STRESS

Although,a little bit of stress now and then ain't something to be concerned about but chronic stress is a great concern because it can lead to serious health conditions.
Examples of serious health conditions that can be caused by chronic stress are;

• MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS such as depression,anxiety and personality disorders
• Obesity and other eating disorders
• Menstrual Problems
• Cardiovascular disease including heart disease,high blood pressure,abnormal heart rhythms,heart attacks,stroke
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Skin and hair problems such as acne,eczema,permanent hair loss
• etc

HOW TO MANAGE STRESS

Obviously,stress is part of being human so we can't actually avoid stress completely but we can manage stress by not allowing it to get out of hands and one of the ways of managing stress is by employing some stress management techniques like;

• Taking a little break out of work to do some things that'll help calm your nerves.
• Try connecting with people
• Ensuring a balanced diet
• Engage in physical exercises
• etc

Note that when stress gets chronic,endeavor to see a therapist or even a medical doctor.

Endeavor to consider the issue of STRESS while chasing wealth because HEALTH IS WEALTH

THANK YOU!!!