APRIL 2017 82FEATURE: TIM BRADY/PAN MEDIA SYNDICATION PHOTOS: FOTOLIA.COM
SEX DRIVE
For some people one of the first physical signs of stress is a drop in libido. That’s
because the body is producing fewer sex hormones oestrogen and testosterone, and
more of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. While in some people a highly
stressed job can enhance their sex drive and libido, this appears to be more common
in men than women.
BEAT THE STRAIN Try a power nap. If stress leaves you exhausted when evening
arrives, a 20-minute snooze in the day could revitalise your interest in sex.STOMACH
When the brain feels stressed it sends a
signal for blood to be diverted away from
less-urgent duties to the major muscles.
The digestive system is one area that
temporarily foregoes much of its blood
supply. As a result digestion of food slows
right down. This poses no problem in
the short-term, but it can lead to loss of
appetite, increased risk of ulcers and even
irritable bowel syndrome.
BEAT THE STRAIN Eat slowly, sit
down to regular meals, and don’t
snack to take your mind off
your worries.SKIN
When we’re stressed, nerve endings
in the skin can release chemicals that
promote inflammation. If you already
suffer with cold sores, acne or psoriasis
these chemicals are likely to make it worse.
Some evidence suggests stress can even
dehydrate the skin and damage its ability
to act as a barrier to germs, which can
cause problems.
BEAT THE STRAIN If your skin is
dry, use detergent-free soaps, and
moisturise after bathing.Go online for
info about
foods that help
fight stress.LUNGS
Stress causes hyperventilation or rapid
breathing. In an emergency this is to
boost oxygen intake so the body can
flee danger, but over a period of time it
can put strain on the respiratory system.
People who suffer hyperventilation
tense the muscles of their upper body
in response to stress. This affects the
performance of the diaphragm, which is
the main muscle used for breathing, and
it means the thoracic muscles around
the lungs have to work harder. Prolonged
overuse of these muscles can eventually
lead to feelings of breathlessness,
tightness in the chest and even
suffocation. This causes anxiety, which in
turn can make breathing even worse.
BEAT THE STRAIN Breathe deeply
and slowly. As you breathe in through
your nose allow your stomach to
swell, letting your diaphragm do the
work, channelling air down into your
lungs. Slowly breathe out through
your nose and aim for 8-12 breaths
a minute.