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Managing Ongoing Stress Can Be a Challenge
Stress is a normal part of life. It can be either acute or chronic and can be caused by anything that poses a challenge in life. This can include jobs, relationships, long term illness, or events. If left unmanaged, the effects of stress can lead to physical, psychological, and even emotional problems. Some health care professionals believe that some (acute) stress can be a good thing, but chronic stress is not.
Therefore, our objective should be learning to manage long-term stress. Reducing stress can be achieved via meditation and relaxation techniques, as well as exercise, and the use of dietary supplements.
Read on about how chronic stress affects us physically and mentally. You may be surprised at the consequences.
Common symptoms and results of stress can include:
A fast heartbeat
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep disturbances
A headache
A stiff neck and/or tight shoulders
Back pain
Fast breathing
Sweating, and sweaty palms
An upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea
Physical and Emotional Effects of Stress Over the Long Term
In healthy people, the nervous system helps maintain a balance between a stress response and relaxation. However, for some people, this system remains on guard, which makes them unable to relax. If this situation becomes chronic, a whole variety of physical and emotional stress-related symptoms and illnesses can follow.
Physical Effects of Stress Symptoms:
Accelerated aging
Decreased immunity
Heart disease
Digestive issues
Hormone imbalances
Skin issues
Emotional Effects of Stress Symptoms:
Feel cranky and unable to deal with even small problems
Feel frustrated, lose your temper more often, and yell at others for no reason
Feel jumpy or tired all the time
Find it hard to focus on tasks
Worry too much about small things
Feel that you are missing out on things because you can’t act quickly
Imagine that bad things are happening or about to happen
