Stress:
It's no secret that stress can take a toll on our physical and mental health. But did you know that it can also be the root cause of many illnesses? In this blog post, we'll explore how stress affects our bodies and what we can do to manage it better. If you're feeling stressed, don't hesitate to read on!
Defining stress - what is it, really?
Stress is something that affects us all, from academics to job security to relationships and beyond. A primary component of stress is an experience of tension or worry in response to a certain situation. Efforts to cope with this sense of tension can lead to physical and mental illness over time if they are not managed well. Despite its ubiquity, stress is still mysterious and difficult to define- some days it may feel like climbing a mountain we can never seem to summit while other days it's barely registering on our radar. Everyone experiences stress differently and understanding how it affects us personally is an important part of managing it in the long term.
How stress manifests in the body
Stress has a long-reaching effect on the body, often manifesting as poor digestion, gut issues, sleep difficulties, frequent headaches and irritating muscle tension. When chronic stress kicks in, it can interfere with our bodies' ability to take care of itself, leading us towards poor health. Unfortunately, our modern world demands much from us and makes it difficult to stay informed or healthy; both cause and effect of pressure can lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and feeling emotionally drained. While there is no one-size-fits-all measure for managing stress and its impacts on the body, making lifestyle changes like exercise and mindfulness can further alleviate relationship tension in concert with professional help.
The link between stress and illness
We all know how hard managing stress can be, but what you may not know is that direct links have been established between stress and illness. Stress can leave us feeling run down, with symptoms ranging from difficulty sleeping to a weakened immune system. It affects our sleep, our mental health and our serenity. When left unchecked, these symptoms can lead to increased risk of more serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. It’s important to find ways to manage your stress. Remember that STRESSORS will ALWAYS be there....It is how we respond to them that makes all the difference! It is a choice.
Ways to manage STRESS
Tools for managing stress can help us to stay healthy in MIND and BODY! Breath work, exercise, yoga, meditation and mindfulness -all of these activities have proven to be effective in controlling stress levels in our lives. Nature is also so wonderful - taking a walk in nature or allowing yourself to be present and enjoy your surroundings has been linked with improved mental health and stress relief. Friends are also invaluable - even if we can’t physically meet up at the moment, having conversations with people you know and trust can help you let go of whatever worries are weighing on your mind; being silly helps too! Finally, understanding that some things simply cannot be controlled is essential for decreased anxiety. By prioritizing breath work, intentional relaxation practices and time in nature, alongside regularly connecting with those closest to you ensured by laughter, we can manage our stress effectively for happier physical health and overall wellbeing.
Stress is a part of life! Not having some good tools to manage STRESS can lead to many health issues and just an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion. If you're struggling with stress, please don't hesitate to contact me for help. I am here to support you every step of the way.
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