We are quite familiar with stress in our daily life. It comes in many forms and may bring health, relationship, or financial issues. The effects of stress are bad for both mind and body. It can cause physical issues like chest pain, headaches, poor immune system, weak digestive system, poor heart health, etc. On the other hand, it can lead to mental issues like anxiety, depression, excessive anger, etc.
Let’s have a look at how stress can hurt your mind and body!
1. It Hurts the Immune System
The cells of your immune system safeguard the body against ruinous viruses and bacteria. People having chronic stress don’t have more WBCs, the disease-fighting cells. Hence, they are more exposed to colds and other ailments. If you become ill, stress can make you weaker.
2. It Harms Your Memory
Stress makes events hard to remember. It instantly affects your memory; thereby, you have to struggle a lot to remember a certain event. Chronic stress badly affects spatial memory. When stress happens instantly after learning, you can aid in memory consolidation to improve your memory.
3. It Leads to Skin Issues
Skin indicates your entire physical health. Stress leads to a chemical reaction in the body and makes the skin more reactive and sensitive. The impacts of stress hormones create several skin issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and hives.
4. It Impacts Sleep
During a stressful period, it’s tough to stay or fall asleep and make your mind calm. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder occurred due to stress. This chronic mental issue can make you feel more stressed, irritable, and exhausted. If not treated, insomnia may cause other health issues like heart failure, anxiety, and depression.
5. It Impacts the Overall Psychological Health
Anxiety is a common mood disorder created by stress. Although your lifestyle and genetics are responsible for your psychological health, chronic stress can increase the risks of creating more mental health issues. Stress hormones diminish serotonin levels and impact mood. The changes in serotonin levels may cause depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders.
6. It Impacts the Cardiac Health
Severe stress can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and unusual heartbeats. In case you are experiencing them already, stress can make such issues worse. It also makes some blood cells stickier, increasing the risks of stroke and blood clots. Behaviors related to stress, such as drinking, smoking, not exercising, and unhealthy eating are also blamed.
7. It Impacts the Metabolic System
Stress hormones cause fat and sugar cravings. They increase belly fat, making weight loss tougher. If you are stressed, avoid these cravings by eating healthy snacks.
Need More Guidance?
If you are struggling for figuring out the causes and effects of stress in your life, this is high time to seek guidance. A doctor can recognize the causes and teach you stress management techniques. Moreover, he/she might recommend a licensed mental health therapist or an expert counselor who can identify better and reduce all sources of stress.