We are all aware that stress isn’t a comfortable feeling, and it can often disturb your sleep patterns and mood, but how does stress directly affect your health and body?
Most of us will experience stress during our lifetime – it is impossible to avoid, as it can be caused by work or financial issues, house moves, family difficulties and bereavements. However, it can greatly affect your physical and mental health, so it’s important to know how to reduce and manage it.
What are the Emotional Symptoms of Stress?
Some of the symptoms include:
- A sense of dread
- Unable to switch off (which also affects sleep)
- Irritable or impatient
- Becoming aggressive
- Feeling out of control
- Low self-esteem
What are the Health Symptoms of Stress?
When you are stressed, your body releases chemicals including adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine, and these can have detrimental effects. Too much stress (or Chronic Stress) can cause heart disease, digestive problems and insomnia, and can also slow down and hold the immune system from working properly. Some of the symptoms of stress on your body include:
- Low Energy
- Headaches
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Weight loss and weight gain
- Nausea
- Frequent colds and infections
- Shaking, or cold and sweaty hands and feet
How to Reduce Stress Levels?
1. Identify the Cause
If you are feeling stressed, write down what you think the cause may be. You can then develop a plan to manage and combat stress – such as asking for help from others.
2. Exercise and Move
If you are stressed, you probably don’t feel like exercising. However, incorporating any type of physical movement can help. This can include going for walks outside, doing some gardening or doing some household chores.
3. Create a Sleep Routine
Creating a routine around your sleep ensures that you have a well rested sleep and feel fully awake during the day. This can include not looking at a screen before bed, and doing yoga.
You may also experience stress over your health, such as if you have an issue that you need looking at, or if you’re waiting for test results. This is where Park Private Clinic can help – we are able to book appointments 7 days a week and also have fast test results, helping to put your mind at ease. If you’re interested in seeing one of our expert doctors and specialists, contact us today to book an appointment.
