Sometimes, we are so busy or just too caught up in our daily tasks that we forget to take a break. This can cause stress, which can lead to health problems in the long run like heart attacks, strokes and anxiety depression. But when it comes to the day-to-day work that you do at your job, there really is no time to spare on taking breaks and changing your perspective.
Side Effects of Stress on Our Body
Stress is an unavoidable part of life. It can be caused by a variety of events, from personal challenges to everyday hassles. Too much stress can have negative consequences on our body and mind. Here are four ways that stress can harm your health:
1. It increases the risk of heart disease
A study published in “The Lancet” found that people who reported high levels of stress had a 54% increased risk of heart disease compared to those who reported low levels of stress. The study authors say that the increase in heart disease risk may be due to the fact that stressed individuals are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and eating high-fat foods, which lead to atherosclerosis or thickening of the arteries.
2. It contributes to anxiety and depression
In addition to causing heart disease, stress can also increase your chances of developing anxiety and depression symptoms. According to a study published in “The Journal of Clinical Psychology,” people who experience chronic stress have a 62% increased risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD) over time, and a 53% increased risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
3. It causes memory problems
Stressed individuals are more likely than those who are content with their lives to suffer from memory problems, according to a study published in “Neuropsychologia.” The cause is unknown but may be related to changes in brain function triggered by chronic stress exposure.
4. Elevated blood pressure
Cortisol increases blood pressure by widening blood vessels and making the heart work harder. It can also lead to weight gain and increased risks for cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke.
5. Increased risk of miscarriage
Cortisol can interfere with the development of a fetus, leading to complications during pregnancy including miscarriage.
6. Decreased immunity
When cortisol levels are high, your body’s natural defenses against infections are reduced. This puts you at risk for colds and other illnesses, as well as more serious conditions like pneumonia and cancer.
Conclusion
Stress is undoubtedly a part of our everyday lives, and it can be a useful tool in the right hands. However, when stress becomes overwhelming or uncontrolled, it can cause serious problems for both our physical and mental well-being. In this article, we will explore what stress is, how it works, and some of the negative effects that can result from too much stress. Hopefully this information will help you understand why taking care of your stress levels is so important, and give you some suggestions on how to do so.
