How Does Stress Impact Health?

Stress. It’s an unavoidable reality in our day and age. Stress can come in many different forms, but not every type of pressure we experience is negative. In fact, in short bursts, this feeling of emotional or physical tension can actually be positive, like working to meet an important deadline or evading a dangerous situation.

Unfortunately, the majority of us tend to experience stress that falls on the negative end of the spectrum. When stress becomes chronic, meaning that it lasts for a long period of time, it begins to have a negative impact on our health and overall well-being.

Some health problems associated with chronic stress include: heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and even menstrual problems. According to the American Institute of Stress, stress-related menstrual problems may include heavier, more irregular, and more painful periods.

Common Symptoms of Stress

Think you may be suffering from chronic stress? Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

Physical

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Loss of Sex Drive
• Aches & Pains
• Headaches
• Chest Pain

Cognitive

• Forgetfulness
• Poor Judgement
• Inability to Concentrate

Behavioral

• Overeating or Under-eating
• Alcohol/Drug Use
• Procrastinating
• Social Withdrawal

Emotional

• Depression
• Moodiness or Irritability
• Anxiety
• Loneliness
• Restlessness
• Lack of Motivation

When experiencing any of the symptoms of chronic stress, it's all too easy to get caught up in the fight-or-flight mentality and attempt to simply power through our days, despite the negative impact on our health. As a byproduct, our self-care quickly falls by the wayside.

What exactly is self-care, by the way? It is any action taken to preserve your own health (emotionally, physically, and spiritually).

Read this post on how you can slow down and practice self-care when life feels a bit too crazy.

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