The Causes of Body Stress

STRESS OVERLOAD

Stress becomes a negative, destructive factor in life when it goes beyond the individual’s ability to adapt to it.   Overload is reached, instead of the stress being released from the body, it becomes stored within the body as “body stress”.  As we differ in our emotional and physical makeup, we have varying degrees of susceptibility to stress overload.

THE CAUSES OF BODY STRESS

Emotional / Mental Stress Factors

These include fear of the future, financial worries, competition in the work-place, disintegrating family relationships.  At times we experience sudden violent emotions, such as anger or shock, or we undergo milder but ongoing forms of mental strain, e.g. anxiety, depression, and resentment.

We may become aware of the physical effect of emotional pressures, as the diaphragm, jaw, neck and shoulders tighten in a defensive posture, to armour us against the onslaught of life’s stresses.

Mechanical Stress Factors

The body is designed to withstand a certain amount of physical force – bumps, jerks and falls, but if the mechanical stress goes beyond the body’s limit of adaptability, the effects may become stored as body stress.

The causes may be sudden and violent, such as a car accident, a severe fall, or lifting a heavy object incorrectly.  Or, there may be a gradual accumulation of milder mechanical stress, e.g. habitually sitting incorrectly, or doing inappropriate exercises.

Chemical Stress Factors

The sources of chemical stress include pollutants in the air, insecticides and certain food additives and preservatives.  Harmful chemicals may be consumed, inhaled, or even absorbed when contacting the skin.