Is Stress Affecting My Health?

We all know that stress is everywhere, and this seems even more true today. It is hard to avoid stressful situations on a regular basis. It is hard to stay positive when protests, pandemics, and disasters are happening all around us. So it is normal to ask, “is stress affecting my health?” Given the serious health implications, it is important to consider this question carefully and look into a stress management program.

What Exactly Is Stress?

Stress can be defined as a feeling of being overwhelmed or the inability to cope with unmanageable stimuli. Stress is our body’s response to events or circumstances that cause us to feel some pressure. The degree to which we experience stress varies from person to person. High levels of chronic stress can significantly affect your physical and mental well-being, ranging from mental health problems like depression or anxiety to cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and stroke. But stress does have its positive effects as well. Studies have shown that stress can actually be beneficial. For example, it can help you accomplish tasks and give you a boost with memory-related activities. Also, stress acts as an essential warning device, triggering the fight-or-flight response. This type of response is a psychological reaction that happens when a fear-inducing event presents itself.

Is Stress Affecting My Health?

There is no denying that stress is a crucial component of survival. However, we should always be wary of its long-term effects. Stress can control your emotional state, exacerbate pre-existing illnesses, ruin your social life, and weaken your immune system.

Physical Effects

You can easily observe the physical effects of stress but choose to accept these signs as a part of life. However, it is important to manage physical signs of stress to reduce their long-term impacts on our health. These physical manifestations of stress include:

Low energy levels
Headaches
Muscle pain
Chest pain
Insomnia
Loss of appetite

Psychological Effects

The psychological effects of stress can be challenging to identify. We may not be aware of the psychological effects we experience or may attribute changes to other life factors. But psychological effects can have profound negative impacts on our daily life. Significant psychological effects can include:

Irritability
Lack of focus and motivation
Anxiety
Higher risk of depression
Restlessness

Where Does Stress Come From?

Sources of stress can be found everywhere. Failing to wake up on time in order to be ready for your 8 AM work meeting creates stress. Thinking you forgot to leave some water for your dog while you go out shopping results in stress. All parts of life can cause us stress. The trick is to find ways to effectively manage the stress we face every day.

Management of Stress

When people ask themselves, “is stress affecting my health,” their internet search features one important term: management. We have to seek balance in our lives, and the best way to do so is to manage stress. There are many valuable techniques that can help, such as:

Accept that there are instances that are beyond your control
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga
Exercise regularly
Set aside time for your hobbies and passions
Sleep and rest
Seek support from family and friends
Seek professional treatment if necessary

You Can Effectively Cope with Stress

Life is precious but, at times, terrifying. We see stress as a villain and rightfully so. The key to battling stress is to manage it effectively. Never be afraid to take care of yourself because self-love is the best thing you can do for yourself, your loved ones, and your friends. We offer a number of therapy programs that can help you better control your stress. Some of these include:

So stop asking yourself, “is stress affecting my health?” Instead, take steps to better manage your stress for your long term health and happiness. Contact the team of experts at Promises at 844.875.5609 for more information today!