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Essay / The Effects of Stress on the Military - 1091
Being in the military, I experienced many different types of situations that resulted in different types of stress. Both good and bad. Not only from the military, but also from everyday life in general, such as school, work, finances and family. I tend to handle stress pretty well, but everyone deals with it in their own way. Some people become more irritable, others shut down completely, and some even turn to alcohol and substance abuse to tolerate stress. Stress is something that all living creatures have in common. “When you face a dangerous situation, your heart rate increases, you breathe faster, your muscles tense, your brain uses more oxygen and increases its activity – all functions designed for survival. In the short term, it can even strengthen the immune system” (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Stress is a part of daily life and, in some cases, necessary for survival. Stress is the result of change, it can be negative or positive change. Stress can be financial, physical, emotional or physiological. This can include stress related to school, work, and family. However, not all stress has to be negative, such as competition, the thrill of a roller coaster ride, or even watching a horror movie. At some point, everyone will experience some type of stress, but when that stress becomes chronic, it can have negative impacts on the body and its development. According to Merriam Webster, stress is defined as a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work: something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety (2015). It can also be defined as the response of sound to any request. Many factors can trigger this response, including change. The stress response can be short or long term, positive or negative. Flight or fight responds...... middle of paper ......e with stress. Being able to identify the cause of stress can help manage stress appropriately. Stress management strategies may include positive self-talk, daily relaxation, exercise and healthy eating, promoting healthy friendships and support groups, and getting adequate rest. Stress is a part of daily life and in some cases, it is necessary for survival. Stress is the result of change, it can be negative or positive change. Stress can be financial, physical, emotional or physiological. This can include stress related to school, work, and family. Chronic stress can cause developmental problems in children if they are exposed to it for a long time. It can also have devastating effects on the body if the stress is not eliminated. However, there are ways to manage stress in a healthy way and it is essential to find the best stress management strategy that works..