Stress affects more than the mind – University Press

UP photo by Sierra Kondos.

As a single-mother, graduating college student, journalist and small business owner, I know that day-to-day stress takes a toll on the human mind. However, a few months ago, I learned the hard way that the effects of stress are not limited to the brain.  

A few months ago, I hit my breaking point. The day began like any other. My alarm went off, I slowly removed myself from my bed so not wake up my son, grabbed my robe and sneaked out of the room. However, I noticed that my neck was hot and burning at the base. It was uncomfortable but I chose to ignore it.

The kitchen is my happy place and I began the morning ritual of counting the scoops of coffee and pouring them into the filter, and once that was done, I hit the “strong” button before walking to my home office located in the living room.  This has been my routine since 2013, beginning my mornings in a quiet house with the only loud noise coming from within, as I tick off my to-do list for the day.

Before I made it to opening my laptop to catch up on my homework for my last semester of college, my son’s nana knocked on the door. I welcomed her in, offered coffee and sat down in my favorite green chair. I could tell that she was unhappy. I had been receiving texts throughout the week about her unhappiness. I knew this was coming — just not before coffee.

Before she began, she motioned behind me, and I realized my son had woken up silently and had gotten dressed. She asked him to walk next door to go help his grandpa. I knew this was not going to be good. It never is when you send a child away — but she also knew that I do not burden my child with adult matters.

Before I show her in a negative light, or make her the villain of this story, I would like to take note that she has a lot on her plate as I do. We have a common trait, even though she isn’t my mother, of shouldering a lot of responsibility. Not because we want to, but because we have to. I already knew what she was angry about, but I let her begin the speech.

She was mad that my dog, Mathieu, got out of the pet cage and killed the neighbor’s cat. I am aware that my dog turns wild when I let him run loose in the country. He also ran loose with grandpa’s dogs and they hunted rabbits and squirrels. I knew Mathieu killed the cat — there was no doubt in my mind. …….

Source: https://www.lamaruniversitypress.com/2021/12/stress-affects-more-than-the-mind.php