Everyone experiences a little bit of stress from time to time. You may have a busy lifestyle or juggle many responsibilities, which can make you temporarily irritable, anxious, or worried. It is when you are feeling stressed for a prolonged period that you need to consult with a doctor. Chronic stress can affect your physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It can even make you more likely to develop other chronic health conditions.
If you suspect you are too stressed for your own good, read the list below. It will give you some of the most common signs that your health is being impacted by underlying stress. The symptoms below should be discussed with a physician, so you can come up with a safe and effective treatment plan.
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Your Heart Is Pounding
When you are dealing with chronic stress or worry, you may feel your heart pounding. It is also possible to feel faint or short of breath. These symptoms occur because of the release of stress hormones, which make your heart pump faster. If you are extremely stressed or anxious, you may even have heart palpitations. When you are in a state of stress, your body thinks your vital organs need help. A pounding heart is a sign that your body is getting more blood to these areas.
Unfortunately, this reaction can also take a toll on your cardiovascular health. To reduce your risk of heart problems and decrease your chances of suffering a serious medical problem such as a heart attack, you must find ways to treat your chronic stress. Your doctor may recommend that you try a few different strategies, including removing extra responsibilities or stressors from your schedule.
According to Healthline, eating a healthy diet and limiting caffeine can also help to keep anxiety and stress down. Other helpful strategies include keeping a journal of your feelings and practicing deep-breathing techniques or guided meditation for sleep. If you are interested in professional support, you can also talk to a counselor or therapist about what makes you feel stressed.
You Have High Blood Pressure
Some people who experience chronic stress also find out they have high blood pressure. While the Mayo Clinic says they are not directly linked, one symptom can definitely impact another. The stress hormones that can damage your heart also affect your blood pressure.
Whenever you are in a stressful situation, your blood pressure increases. This is because your heart is beating faster, and your blood vessels become more narrow. There is no proof that stress by itself leads to long-term high blood pressure but failing to manage chronic stress can increase your risk of hypertension. It can also enhance your chances of having a stroke.
If you think you are chronically stressed, get a portable blood pressure monitor. These affordable devices are available online or at your local drugstore. You can also use the blood pressure monitoring tools at your pharmacy or some box stores. If you notice that you have high blood pressure more than once, make an appointment with your primary care doctor. They can check to see if you have high blood pressure in the office. If your numbers are abnormal, they will probably suggest ways for you to control your condition without medication.
Exercising regularly and reducing sodium in your diet are just two ways you can control hypertension. Stress-relieving activities are also recommended. Practicing yoga allows you to combine exercise with relaxation and meditation. You can also try walking outdoors or joining a tai chi class. Following up with your doctor will help you to see if your strategies are working. You can also keep checking your numbers at home with your portable blood pressure device.
You Are Having Trouble Sleeping
When you are going through a stressful event in your life, you may find it difficult to sleep. Insomnia can also occur when you are under chronic stress. When you are worried about your finances, family, or job, you may find it hard to fall asleep. Anxious thoughts can also cause you to awake at night.
Think about the situations or events that may be causing you stress. Whether you are taking on too much at work or need to have a discussion with a loved one, naming your challenges can help to relieve some anxiety and tension. It can also help you become motivated and proactive.
When you are going through a traumatic or stressful life event, such as the death of a loved one or a divorce, seek professional support. Talking to a therapist can help you to process your pain and find ways to cope with your emotions. Many counselors are also experienced in helping people manage their symptoms of stress. Other tips for improving your sleep include making your room more comfortable and creating a relaxing nighttime ritual. A warm bath, self-massage, or aromatherapy session can help you unwind and rest peacefully.
You Get Sick Often
If you get regular colds or have the flu every year, these are possible signs that you have a weaker immune system. There are many reasons for poor immunity, including smoking and poor nutrition. You may also get sick because of your underlying stress.
The stress hormone cortisol can suppress your body’s immune system response, especially with regular doses. When you are experiencing chronic stress, inflammation in the body can make you at risk for developing a host of diseases. You can help to reduce your risk of developing colds and other illnesses by lowering your stress levels as quickly as possible.
Another way to decrease your chances of stress weakening your immune system is to eat lean proteins like chicken breast, tofu, and fish. Consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, sweet potatoes, and kale. Getting more sleep will also give you more immunity and make you less susceptible to some diseases and viruses.
You Are Losing Hair
If the effects above were not enough, high stress levels can also lead to hair loss. These symptoms can occur in both men and women. Three types of hair loss are associated with underlying or chronic stress, including telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and alopecia areata. When a person is affected by telogen effluvium, stress hormones tell the hair follicles they should go into a resting phase. This allows the body to focus on fighting off the stressors you are experiencing. Hair may also fall out, especially when you wash or brush it.
Trichotillomania occurs when stressful situations cause you to rip the hair out from your scalp. Some people pull their hair out as a reaction to tension or frustration. Alopecia areata is when your immune system attacks the hair follicles, which causes strands of hair to fall out.
Each of these conditions can be benefited by laser hair growth, which uses a cutting-edge technology known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also formerly referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), to promote the growth of thicker, healthier hair. In just a few minutes per day, wearing a device such as a laser therapy cap can help to nourish and stimulate hair follicles for enhanced hair growth, all without the use of invasive procedures and pharmaceuticals.
Reducing Stress & Enhancing Your Wellness
As you now know, underlying stress can have a major impact on your body and mind. Even if you are used to having feelings of stress or working in stressful conditions, it is important to take a second look at your health. Use the strategies above to manage the effects of chronic stress, and then focus on ways to feel less anxious and worried. A combination of adjustments to your schedule and stress management techniques can make a difference.
It is also a good idea to stay in contact with your primary care physician or the specialist that cares for a chronic health condition. A combination of approaches will help to reduce your stress and enhance your wellness. Each of these new discoveries about yourself and the way you handle stress can be used to benefit you for a lifetime.