Subheading: Stress is inescapable. Exams, work, and home life can cause a lot of different emotions to rise up, one of them being stress. Although it is a normal human response to feel pressure when faced with challenges or threats, it does have negative side effects such as panic attacks, fatigue, and more, with headaches being one of the most common.
"The non-specific response of the body to any demand for change" by Hans Selye is the recognized definition of stress. A strand known as "daily stress and hassles" impacts students daily. This is the psychological distress brought on by the accumulation of minor concerns and frictions over time. Although stress is normal, regular encounters can be extremely detrimental. The term "the straw that broke the camel's back" refers to the collapse as a result of long-term struggles with stress.
Though symptoms can vary, daily stress and hassles commonly lead to psoriasis, chronic tension headaches, and joint pain. In contrast to acute pain, which lasts less than 12 weeks, chronic pain lasts longer. Acute pain could be displayed through a paper cut, but the show of chronic pain would be nerve pain from a nerve injury. Long-term consequences of untreated chronic headaches include psychological illnesses such as depression, anxiety-related conditions, and sensory issues like photophobia (fear of light). Additionally, sleep disorders may start to develop. Lack of sleep decreases focus, attentiveness, and difficulties paying attention. Decision-making is also affected.
Stress-related headaches can result from a wide range of causes. One of which includes unconsciously tightening their shoulders and neck. An example is chronic tension headaches triggered by strained or contracted neck and scalp muscles. The compressed area caused by the contracted muscles at the back of our heads will result in muscle aches. The longer the muscles in the back of your head are under stress, the more severe the headaches experienced will be. Another explanation for individuals suffering from headaches is that they clench their jaws, adding to the straining. Tense neck muscles and headaches can be directly caused by “bruxism,” also known as the involuntary acts of tooth grinding or jaw clenching. Some also eat less/worse when stressed, leading to a chemical imbalance throughout the body, causing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, and resulting in headaches. Finally, stress can also cause the "fight or flight" response to be activated. Serotonin release causes the body's blood vessels to constrict, reducing the amount of blood reaching the brain. Blood pressure inside the brain quickly increases in reaction to hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the brain). The sudden increase in pressure causes a pounding or pulsing headache.
There are several ways to reduce the number of tension headaches brought on by stressful situations, including routinely stretching and exercising, getting sufficient rest, and even smiling. Regular exercise guarantees that muscles are kept active, and stretching helps ease the tension. Researchers also discovered an immediate link between lack of sleep and tension headaches. The body's ability to cope with pain is greatly impacted by sleep deprivation, which increases the risk of headaches. Next, eating healthily with complex carbs included in whole grains helps the brain's glycogen stores grow. They contribute to headache pain relief during hypoglycemia. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, also help with experiencing fewer headaches. According to research, a diet higher in omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and shellfish, and lower in linoleic acid (C18H32O2) may help regulate the pain pathway. Lastly, the act of smiling can trigger the human brain to release tiny molecules known as neuropeptides, which can assist you in combating stress. The role of additional neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins is also engaged when you smile. While serotonin is an antidepressant, endorphins work as minor pain relief.
Stress is inevitable, and people must learn how to manage it to keep a healthy psychological attitude. It becomes easier to allow ourselves to take a break and do things that relieve the symptoms once we know why headaches occur, their long-term effects on the body, and why they can be so severe, which is why being educated about stress is useful.
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