Stress Related Health Problems You Can Fix
While we can’t avoid stress in our everyday life, it’s crucial to our well being that we learn to manage it. If you’re living with stress and its affecting your life, you’re not alone. The American Psychological Association has stated that nearly half of Americans have reported their stress levels increasing in the past five years, with almost one-third saying they live with extreme stress on a daily basis. Health problems related to stress are a crisis we can’t afford to ignore.
Today, we’re exploring stress related health problems you can fix. Finding ways to manage stress levels may help reverse or eliminate some of these negative health impacts you may be experiencing. Read on and see how you might benefit!
Fixing Stress Related Health Problems
Left unchecked, stress related health problems can have a profound negative impact on our overall well being. Stress can affect both our mental and physical health while putting strain on our interpersonal relationships.
Some health problems related to stress that you may be able to help manage or reduce include:
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Potential for Alzheimer’s or cognitive decline
- Asthma
- Headaches and migraines
- Symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Obesity and the risk of developing diabetes
Correlation Between Stress and Heart Disease
Research has long shown the correlation between stress and heart disease, making it the first up in our exploration of stress related health problems you can fix. While we can’t completely eliminate the risk of heart disease, learning how to manage stress levels can help reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Left unchecked, stress elevates blood pressure, damaging heart health. This high blood pressure causes the heart to work too hard and may lead to the increased release of cholesterol and triglycerides into the bloodstream. Health problems related to stress aren’t limited to the emotional side of things, however. Those experiencing elevated levels of stress may also be more prone to making poor health choices such as smoking or eating unhealthy foods, which can increase the risk of heart disease, as well.
The Relationship Between Stress and Alzheimer’s Disease
Next up in our exploration of stress related health problems you can fix comes the increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other neurodegenerative diseases. Once again, while there’s no guaranteed method for preventing cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s, studies have shown a direct correlation between stress and neurodegenerative diseases that could reduce motor function and cognitive ability.
Can Stress Trigger Asthma?
Not all stress related health problems are entirely caused by stress itself, but rather made worse by it. This is the case with those living with asthma. While stress itself may not be the catalyst for developing asthma, studies have shown that it can certainly exacerbate the problem and make symptoms worse. The premise of this is how stress alters airway inflammatory response experienced by people with asthma, making matters worse and potentially triggering an asthma attack.
Stress Related Headaches and Migraines
Some stress related health problems that you may be all too familiar with include headaches and migraines. Elevated stress is a major factor in tension headaches and a potential catalyst for migraines. It can also lead to the worsening of other types of headaches, as well. Unfortunately, stress and headaches form a two-way negative relationship where stress may trigger headaches while headaches may enhance feelings of stress.
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Another example of stress related health problems you may be able to help fix by managing stress levels is symptoms of depression. While it’s important to seek a medical professional when feeling symptoms of depression, some may be able to be treated by getting stress under control.
Studies have shown the potential for chronic stress to increase the risk of depression. It can alter the cognitive processes and may be especially influential on younger individuals experiencing stress during formative years. That said, intense stress can lead to symptoms of depression in people of any age and should be treated very seriously.
Chronic Stress and Obesity
Last on our list of stress related health problems you can fix is the potential contribution of stress to obesity. Managing stress levels is one of the most effective methods for how to prevent obesity, which could bring with it complications such as diabetes, heart disease, or negative mental health impacts.
Learning How to Manage Stress Levels
All of these health problems related to stress point to the need for stress management techniques. While stress management may not be able to completely prevent negative health ailments, it could help reduce the risk of developing them in your lifetime.
Managing stress doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as learning how to meditate at home, using tools like a zero gravity chair as part of how to de-stress each day, or creating a relaxing night time routine to alleviate stress and improve sleep quality. Opting for tools like a zero gravity chair may actually provide multiple health benefits that enhance the reversal of the negative impacts of stress on your body!
Other ways to manage stress levels include physical activities like exercise or playing sports. The exertion from these fitness routines can help alleviate stress while simultaneously boosting your immune system naturally. Keeping active can keep you healthy!
We hope our list of stress related health problems you can fix has shown you the influence of stress over your health and well being. Small lifestyle adjustments can be the key to getting your stress levels under control. In as little as a few minutes each day, you can start to control your stress levels and help your body circumvent potential stress related health problems.
Trying meditation, choosing a zero gravity chair for relaxing, or starting a new exercise routine may all help alleviate stress related health problems and keep your health at optimal levels. As always, however, it’s important to consult a doctor before beginning any new health routines to ensure it’s safe for you to do so.
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