1

Stress and Health

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Instructor’s Name and Title

Course Code: Course Name

Assignment Due Date

 2

Stress and Health

Stress, as a multifaceted physiological and psychological phenomenon, exerts profound

implications for health. The video titled "How Stress Affects Your Body" offers enlightening

insights into the various health problems stemming from stress. Foremost, prolonged stress can

manifest as cardiovascular complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and

stroke (TED-Ed, 2015). The relentless activation of the stress response places excessive strain on

the cardiovascular system, heightening susceptibility to these conditions.

Moreover, stress demonstrates a marked impact on mental well-being, potentially

instigating the onset or exacerbation of anxiety disorders and depression. Prolonged stress

disrupts the delicate equilibrium of neurotransmitters within the brain, fostering mood

disturbances and emotional complexities (TED-Ed, 2015). Furthermore, stress engenders

immunological vulnerabilities, rendering individuals more prone to infections and illnesses. The

stress hormone cortisol undermines immune functionality, impeding the body's capacity to

combat pathogens efficiently.

Additionally, stress exerts repercussions on the intricate interplay between digestion and

metabolism. It can precipitate gastrointestinal afflictions such as irritable bowel syndrome and

acid reflux (TED-Ed, 2015). Furthermore, stress alters dietary patterns, prompting unhealthy

food preferences and consequent weight gain.

Effectively responding to stressful situations represents a pivotal means of averting these

health complications. Employing stress management techniques, encompassing deep breathing,

meditation, and exercise, serves to mitigate the physiological and psychological toll of stress

(TED-Ed, 2015).Simultaneously, cultivating a healthful lifestyle through balanced nutrition,

 3

regular physical activity, and adequate sleep augments resilience to stress and promotes holistic

well-being.

Furthermore, seeking social support from kin, acquaintances, or support groups provides

emotional solace and tangible assistance during trying circumstances (TED-Ed, 2015).

Finally, adopting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, and mastering effective time management

techniques empowers individuals to effectively confront stressors, curbing feelings of

overwhelming.

In summation, chronic stress manifests in diverse health afflictions encompassing the

cardiovascular system, mental equilibrium, immune function, and gastrointestinal health. Aptly

addressing stress entails mitigating these challenges. By embracing stress management practices,

sustaining a health-conscious lifestyle, nurturing social networks, and refining time management

skills, individuals can safeguard against these health perils while fostering overall well-being.
 4

References

TED-Ed. (2015, October 22). How stress affects your body – Sharon Horesh Bergquist [Video].

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-t1Z5-oPtU