Stress can have a huge impact on your day-to-day life and overall wellbeing. When we are under enormous amounts of pressure, our body produces adrenaline and other hormones that cause tension and feelings of anxiousness. Stress is primarily triggered due to feelings of unfamiliarity or a loss of control, and it is not a pleasant emotion. There are ways of managing it so it doesn’t take over your life. Things like exercising, taking mental health breaks, and trying to resolve conflicts in a productive manner will all make a big difference. Take these preventative steps now so you don’t have to deal with more serious issues down the road.
Mental Health
Stress is a chemical reaction that occurs in the brain. The more worried you become, the harder it will be to perform everyday tasks, such as getting out of bed, showering, and preparing food. You could also experience insomnia, as the increased production of adrenaline will make it difficult to sleep. If you do not manage feelings of worry, the risk of developing anxiety or depression is dangerously high. Although this is an emotional, internal issue, stress is primarily caused by external factors.
Many feel that most of the pressure they experience in their everyday lives comes from work. If you have a lot on your plate at the moment, perhaps consider talking to your boss and see if he/she can give you a lifeline by redistributing some of your workload. If possible, see if you can take a couple of days off to relax. If you are experiencing workplace bullying that is causing you anxiety, you should get in touch with HR immediately. Bullying and intimidation in the workplace is something that should be taken extremely seriously as it can be detrimental to your self-esteem and mental health.
Money troubles can also take a toll on your mental health. If you are constantly worrying about rent and bills, your emotional wellbeing is going to suffer. Falling into times of monetary hardship can feel inescapable but there are some solutions to this issue. If you have student loans, you could consider a student loan refinance. By injecting some cash into your account, you will be able to make repayments on time and you will gain some much-needed peace of mind.
Physical Health
Your physical health can also be severely impacted if you let stress overpower your life. Your immune system is very delicate, and stress will throw it off balance. Your white blood cells can decrease dramatically, making you more susceptible to infections. You will be more likely to develop colds and flus when you are feeling anxious and under pressure. In addition, it will take you longer to recover from any illness you pick up during this time.
There are so many benefits of healthy living and maintaining a healthy diet and exercising during difficult periods. It is vital to your self-preservation, and it will not only improve your mental health, but it will also keep your immune system strong too. Your stomach and digestive system may also be compromised. As your body is under pressure, it will have difficulty processing your food. This can cause issues that range from minor discomfort, such as gas and acid reflux, to the more unpleasant nausea and vomiting.
Longer-term issues, such as IBS, can also be triggered by prolonged feelings of tension. In more extreme cases, you could experience cardio-vascular issues. The increase of adrenaline can raise your blood pressure, increasing the probability of heart attack or stroke. It can also worsen other cardiovascular issues you may experience, such as asthma or a heart murmur.
Skin and Hair
Not only can stress affect how you feel on the inside, but stress can impact how you look on the outside. Although concerns about cosmetics are often dismissed as trivial and superficial, your appearance can have a huge effect on your self-esteem and mental wellbeing. Skin breakouts and unexplained rashes can be put down to anxiety or stress. Hair loss is often triggered by tension too, and it can be hugely traumatic. If you are losing clumps of hair on a daily basis, your body may be under more strain than you think. It’s so important to take a step back every so often and assess your body for telltale signs that something is wrong.
