Stress is a normal part of life; unfortunately, we cannot escape it, but we can most certainly control it. When stress is not confronted, it can turn to chronic stress, and that’s when things tend to get a bit serious. Chronic stress can cause quite a few health issues, from mental health problems to high blood pressure. Here a few side effects of stress and when we let it take over.
1. Headaches and migraines are among the most common effects of stress, which can be very painful and stop someone from their daily routine.
2. Many people have insomnia when going through a period of stress, either with their work or personal life, when the stress is not managed, insomnia can become long term
3. Some people who have problems with their weight are what we call emotional eaters, so stress is a big trigger for them, as emotional eaters eat when they feel stressed, sad, and happy.
4. Gastrointestinal problems are common as well from stress, including heartburn. Stress may not cause Ulcers, which is a positive thing, but it can make them worse.
5. Research has suspected that people who suffer from stress in their life are more likely to have heart issues, like high blood pressure, no one is sure how exactly, but stress can increase heart rate and blood flow, which causes the release of cholesterol and triglycerides into the blood.
Reading the effects of stress can be scary, but the good news is that it can be prevented and managed. By making time for yourself and focusing on stress relief, stress will no longer control you, you can and will control it. Fun fact: not all stress is wrong what stress can be very motivating, and means that you are stepping out of your comfort zone, for example, going for a job interview, taking a test or even going on that first date,
So, how does someone stop these symptoms from happening or getting worse:
Step one: Recognize what makes you feel stressed and take note of what you feel when you are stressed; tense muscles, Headache, Stomach pain, etc. Once you have written everything down, read it out loud. Sounds simple, but very efficient; confronting something and saying it aloud will automatically lift a weight off your shoulders – plus you know what to avoid in the future, so it does not happen again.
Step two: breathe! This is something we do so naturally, but we don’t pay attention to see exactly how we are doing it. It is essential to spend at least 10 minutes a day focusing on your breathing, taking a deep breath through your nose, and filling your stomach, and exhaling through your mouth. Once you get into the habit of doing that, you can try different breathing techniques for relaxation, such as the 4,7,8, which is excellent to do before sleeping. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for seven and exhale for 8 through the mouth.
Exercise also has stress relief benefits because It pumps up your endorphins. Exercise helps bump up the production of the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. So, something as simple as taking a walk a few times a week can make a huge difference in how you feel in general
More about Stephanie Hadjipateras Stephanie Hadjipateras has been a life coach for several years. After obtaining her qualifications in the United Kingdom, she opened her business in 2016 and has since helped many clients in achieving their aims and objectives. Prior to life coaching, she was in the events industry and studied fashion; two experiences that she’s brought over into her life coaching in terms of the things she learned and observed. Her subsequent multiple surgeries, coupled with other health issues – some of which affect her everyday life today – led her into finding her passion in helping and guiding other people.
