Stress harbors a lot of negative effects on a person’s body.
It subsequently affects a person’s behavior, emotions, physical health, thinking ability, and many more.
The effects of stress may vary from person to person, as because some people can handle stress more efficiently than others.
Looking to take control of your stress and mental health?
Let’s dive right in.
Why stress is more dangerous than we think?
Studies have shown correlations between Life Stress and Suicide in Adolescents.
This topic is especially crucial if you often experience stress in your life.
Let’s start with the basics and review the 3 different types of stress.
Acute stress
The first one is acute stress, which tentatively lasts for a short period of time.
This stress is a result of negative thinking, occurring situations, or upcoming events in a person’s life.
Acute stress typically develops quickly but dooes not usually last long.
Episodic acute stress
The second type of stress is called the episodic acute stress.
This stress prevails on people who often experience stress, accompanied by various stress triggers in their day-to-day lives.
People who suffer from episodic acute stress tend to live a chaotic life, and these people may often feel pressured or rushed.
Chronic stress
The third type and the most dangerous type of stress is called the chronic stress.
This type of stress can bring a lot of long-term mental and physical damage to a person.
This is often a result of repeated abuse, dysfunctional family, unemployment, long term poverty, etc.
Elderly depression can be dangerous if coupled with chronic stress…
…and the elderly are those who need health support the most.
Read more on why there are concerns with elderly care and how you can be proactive with caring for your elderly.
How long-term effects of stress damages your body?
Short term stress is considered to be a normal thing in a person’s life.
However, long-term and chronic stress can lead to a lot of serious and major health problems which includes:
Menstrual Issues – Stress can have serious implications for women and those looking to start a family of their own.
Sexual Dysfunction – Long term exposure to consistent stress can result in loss of sexual desire, premature ejaculation, etc.
Cardiovascular Disease – high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, etc.
Mental Health Problems – Possible mental health issues include anxiety, depression, personality disorders, etc.
Gastrointestinal Problems – Ddi you know that stress can cause irritable colon, ulcer, gastritis and other bodily organ functions?
Hair and Skin Complications – Some hair and skin conditions which have been linked to sress include psoriasis, acne, hair loss, eczema, etc.
Eating Disorders – When people are stressed, they often resort to food for comfort and satisfaction from the dopamine release.
How has stress been linked to obesity?
For many years, stress has been associated with obesity.
The prevalent reason behind this is because chronic stress commonly leads to stress eating.
People often resort to high caloric foods with high amounts of sugar, salt and fat to relieve stress.
Short term stress is often associated with an appetite suppressing hormone, which triggers our body to produce adrenaline or epinephrine.
As a result, it temporarily suppress a person’s urge to eat.
Chronic stress on the other hand, triggers the production of cortisol-a hormone that increases a person’s appetite.
Cortisol, along with ghrelin and leptin, can lead a person suffering from chronic stress to overeat due to hormone inbalances in the body.
What are the best ways to manage your stress?
Stress is inevitable, but you can manage stress to alleviate the possible long-term consequences of it.
Yoga is one of the best tools in your toolkit for combating stress.
Why is yoga is great?
The ability for yoga to faciliate, deep breathing, relaxation and mindfulness is extrodanary seen by how wide-spread this practice has become.
Here are the best ways to manage your stress:
Breathe
Deep breathing is considerably one of the most effective way to relieve stress.
Close your eyes as you breathe, take some moment for yourself. Inhale deeply, and imagine all the stress leaving as you exhale.
Change Your Mindset
Alter your mind in such a way where stress won’t bother you again.
Be mindful about your thoughts.
Check your routines and habits, as these factors may contribute to your prevailing stress.
Relax
Release all the mounted stress by doing the activities that you love, spending time with your family and friends, reading a book, doing yoga or other exercises.
It can be anything, as long as it helps you to relieve your stress.
