What Stress Can Do to Your Health
Life is full of stressful situations. It’s a fact of life. Stress
have had some negative connotations in the past, but in fact, not all
stress is bad. For some people stress is actually a good thing. It keeps
them motivated and pumped up to do some incredible things. But as individuals,
we respond to stress differently. While some are more inclined to rise
above these stressful situations, others can become overwhelmed. When
we respond to stress negatively, these stressful situations tend to intensify
and occupy our minds.
Chronic stress often leads to:
- Headaches
- Body pains
- Sleeplessness
- Flu-like symptoms or colds
- Digestive symptoms
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
In the long run, continued strain on your body from negative stress may
contribute to serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease,
high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses.
It’s Time to Address Your Stress
Many individuals do not really realize they are under stress until it has
already consumed them. In coping with stress, it is important to recognize
it before it gets out of control. Acknowledging your stress is not always
easy. It can make you feel vulnerable, especially when you try to address
what you’re really feeling. Just keep in mind that your emotions
are perfectly understandable given the situation that you’re in.
When you’re honest about your feelings, it can lead you to take
the necessary actions in coping or managing your stress.
How to Deal with Stress
There is no cure-all for stress. Different individuals have their own ways
in managing their stress.
Here are some ideas to help you:
-
Talk it out- Get support from your friends, family or other individuals that you feel
can better relate to your situation. You may also consider talking to
a professional to better manage the stressful situation.
-
Take a break- If you’re feeling stressed at work or at home, it may do you some
good to distance yourself even just for a few hours or just enough time
for you to breathe. Getting away can also give you a new perspective in
dealing with the stressful situation.
-
Exercise- Physical activities are known to release endorphins, giving you a more
positive attitude on life. Start with light physical activities such as
walking or jogging around your block. You may also try signing up for
exercise classes such as yoga or dancing.
-
Laugh- As they say, laughter is the best medicine. Surround yourself with people
who can help you lighten up. You may also try watching some good ol’
comedies or looking up some funny pictures on the internet.
In managing stress, the important thing is to commit yourself to getting
better and taking care of yourself. You can try a million ways of coping
with stress, but if your heart and mind are not in the right place, things
can even get harder. Just keep in mind that you are more than your response
to the stressful situation that you’re in. Treat each day as a step
towards being able to manage your stress better and you will rise above
stress without you even noticing.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.