Feeling stressed? Join the club! Read more to find out what it is doing to you.
Stress costs Australian business’ more than 14 billion dollars a year. But, even more importantly, what is long term stress doing to you? Let me explain…
Stress is a normal response, but when it lasts too long, it can affect our bodies in different ways. In this article, we’ll explore the effects of long-term stress and learn how it can impact our overall well-being.
First, what is long-term stress? Long-term stress happens when we feel stressed for a prolonged period, like when we face ongoing challenges or feel overwhelmed for weeks or months. It’s like having a continuous alarm going off in our bodies, and it can impact us physically and emotionally.
What it does to your brain
Long-term stress can affect our brains. It may make it harder to concentrate and remember things. It can also affect our mood, making us feel more anxious or irritable. When we’re constantly stressed, it can feel like our brains are always on high alert.
What it does to your body
Our bodies respond to long-term stress by releasing stress hormones, like cortisol, which can have various effects. These hormones can disrupt our sleep patterns, making it harder to get a good night’s rest. They can also affect our appetite, causing us to eat more or less than usual. Additionally, long-term stress can weaken our immune system, making us more prone to getting sick.
Emotional well-being
Long-term stress can take a toll on our emotional well-being. It may lead to feelings of sadness, helplessness, or even depression. We might also experience increased irritability or have difficulty managing our emotions. It’s important to pay attention to our feelings and seek support when needed.
Physical Health
When stress lingers for a long time, it can contribute to various physical health problems. Some people may experience frequent headaches, muscle tension, or stomach aches. It can also impact our cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart problems. Long-term stress can even affect our digestion, leading to issues like stomach ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome.
Long-term stress can have a significant impact on our bodies, affecting both our physical and emotional well-being. Recognizing the signs and seeking support is essential for maintaining a healthy life. Understanding the effects of long-term stress is crucial for taking care of ourselves. When stress becomes an ongoing part of our lives, it can affect not only our minds but also our bodies. By being aware of the potential consequences, we can take proactive steps to manage stress and prioritize our well-being. There are many tips and tricks that you can use to reduce stress and also nutrients and supplements that can help. These are discussed in the next two articles, however in the meantime seeking support from trusted friends, family, or health professionals like me, can make a significant difference, leading to a happier and more balanced life.
