Understanding the Link Between Chronic Stress and Long-Term Illness
While stress is a part of life, and stems from work-related issues or through hardships in relationships, finances, or health, in moderation, it is not necessarily a bad thing. It can push you to meet certain deadlines and find creative solutions, but, if it becomes a chronic pressure (i.e. a daily part of your life), it may do more harm to your health than you expect.
This is because consistent stress spanning months or even years keeps your body constantly on alarm mode. This, of course, can add up to severe health issues in the long run, so before you even continue, try live casino online to play your favorite games and let loose. Taking the time off for your hobbies is now easier than ever through a simple tap of the finger!
What Happens to Your Body During Stress?
When you are worried or extremely nervous you undergo the “fight-or-flight” response. Your brain tries to meet a threat by producing cortisol and adrenaline, bringing up your blood pressure and giving you an energy boost.
This response is useful in the short run when avoiding an accident or meeting a certain deadline, but when faced continuously, your body doesn’t return to its normal state. Instead, it stays in this paralyzed mode for extended periods. This wears you down over time.
The Health Risks
- Heart Disease: Continous anxiousness causes high blood pressure, leading to intensive strain. This could cause hypertension later on or even heart attacks.
- Immune System Weakening: Stress has been demonstrated to reduce the body’s immune response, which leads to the process of getting sick. Even recovery will take longer than usual.
- Digestive Issues: Extended periods of pressure can lead to stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation. This may cause more severe health issues like IBS or acid reflux.
- Mental Health Issues: Stress can exacerbate anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression, and could result in difficulties concentrating and/or memory loss.
- Diabetes: In long spans of anxiety, your body increases the amount of sugar in your bloodstream to provide you with a burst of energy, but if it happens often, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases.
- Chronic Pain: Worrying an excessive amount can cause your muscles to tense up. If happening regularly, it could lead to headaches and/or neck and back pain.
- Issues Sleeping: Psychological pressure makes it harder to both fall asleep and stay asleep.
How to Manage It
There are ways to manage this and protect yourself ahead of time, so here are some practical strategies:
- Identify Your Stress: Identify the source of what usually makes you anxious. This is usually the first step to change. Could it be personal, family, finances, or something else?
- Regroup: Meditation, fixed breathing, and yoga can help center your mind and assist you in returning to a relaxed state.
- Keep Moving: Regular physical activity promotes the release of endorphins, the best natural treatment. These agents alleviate this tension and promote a better, overall well-being.
- Get Enough Sleep: You should get around 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Creating a routine of going to bed and getting up at the same time each day is even more beneficial.
- Care for Yourself: Avoid too much caffeine, sugar, and alcohol. This can worsen health problems. Rather, choose fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to help you achieve higher energy levels.
- Seek Help: Talk to a therapist if things feel like they are too far out of your control. The right professional can assist you in developing suitable coping mechanisms through such phases.
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