Physical Stress
Physical stresses are strains on the mechanical body. Overworking
your muscles is an example of a physical stress. Slight physical stress
is what makes exercise beneficial, and is an example of how some
stress can help promote health. However, too much physical stress
without adequate recovery can potentially result in many problems.
Another physical stress is wearing shoes that don’t fit right; while you
don’t always feel it in your feet, it may cause problems elsewhere in
your body. Likewise, dental stress can affect more than your mouth,
often causing stomach dysfunction, shoulder, neck or head pain.
Other physical stresses include poor posture, eye strain and many
other situations that adversely impact the mechanical body. Physical
stress can result in physical problems, but also in chemical or men-
tal/emotional problems.
Chemical Stress
Chemicals from any source can affect body chemistry and cause
stress. This includes dietary and nutritional imbalances such as too
much or too little food or nutrients, excess caffeine or drugs, and
ingestion of chemicals from food and water supplies. Other sources of
chemical stress include those in the air — second-hand smoke, indoor
and outdoor air pollution and many others. Chemical stresses can
cause indigestion, fatigue, insomnia, or even physical and emotional
problems.
Mental and Emotional Stress
Mental and emotional stress is the type with which most people are
familiar. This includes tension, anxiety and depression. Mental stress
may contribute to pain, moods of anxiety or depression, and loss of
enthusiasm or motivation, and can lead to physical and chemical prob-
lems as well. Mental stress also affects cognition, including sensation,
perception, learning, concept formation and decision-making.
Stress can come from anywhere: your job, family, other people,
your emotions, infections, allergic reactions, physical trauma and
exertion, even the weather. Remember, not all stress is negative. Since
it evokes a reaction in the body, the outcome may be a positive one —
the benefit of exercise is one example. By mildly stressing your body,
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