By Joke Kujenya
A POUNDING headache can be easy to dismiss.
So can another sleepless night, an upset stomach or that frustrating moment when concentrating on even the simplest task suddenly feels difficult.
But when such experiences begin to pile up, the body and mind may be responding to more pressure than they can comfortably manage.
Stress can affect sleep, concentration, appetite and physical well-being, with difficult situations such as job interviews, school examinations, unrealistic workloads and conflicts capable of triggering worry and mental tension, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
JKNewsMedia.com reports that WHO says everyone experiences stress to some degree, although people respond to it differently.
The organisation says a small amount of stress can help people perform daily activities and respond to challenges and threats.
However, when stress becomes excessive, it can lead to difficulty relaxing, anxiety, irritability, poor concentration, headaches and other body pains.
Sleep can also become disrupted, while appetite may decrease or increase, WHO says.
According to the organisation, major economic crises, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, war and community violence can also create widespread stress.
Persistent stress may worsen pre-existing health problems and increase the use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances. Stressful situations can also cause or exacerbate mental health conditions, most commonly anxiety and depression, WHO says.
The organisation notes that, for some people, stress eases when a difficult situation improves or when they develop ways of coping emotionally.
However, when symptoms persist and begin affecting everyday activities, including work or school, WHO says seeking support becomes important.
The organisation recommends maintaining a regular daily routine, with time for meals, family, exercise, daily chores and recreation.
It also advises people to protect their sleep by keeping regular bed and wake-up times, putting electronic devices aside before sleeping and maintaining a quiet, dark, relaxing and comfortable sleeping environment.
WHO says sleep repairs, relaxes and rejuvenates the body and can help reverse the effects of stress.
Regular exercise, whether through a daily walk or more intensive physical activity, can also help manage stress, according to the organisation.
WHO further recommends eating balanced meals at regular intervals, drinking enough fluids and eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
Staying connected with family, friends or another trusted person can also help people feel less stressed, particularly when they discuss their concerns and feelings.
For people who find constant updates overwhelming, WHO advises limiting the time spent following news on television and social media.
Its stress management guide, Doing What Matters In Times Of Stress, provides practical skills for coping with stress.
WHO also says the techniques can be practiced for a few minutes each day, either independently or with accompanying audio exercises.
The organisation adds that the guide was developed using evidence and extensive field testing and is intended for anyone experiencing stress, regardless of where they live or the circumstances they face.
It also informs that most people manage stress and continue to function but advises people who find it difficult to cope or whose stress begins affecting everyday life to reach out to a trusted health-care provider or someone trusted in the community for support.
Wrapping up, stress can cause your body to release glucose, roughly the equivalent of the sugar in a Snickers bar.
Also, high stress can also trigger an insulin spike, which may lead to cravings.
So, a person could find himself craving a Snickers bar just as your body has already released extra sugar.
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