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Chronic Stress: An Anchor That’s Weighing Down On Your Soul

If you feel stressed all the time, you’re far from alone—most adults are.

Chronic stress has major effects on psychological and physical health, and understanding those effects is the most crucial step in managing them.

Read on to learn about stress and how it can affect our lives.

Chronic Stress: An Anchor That’s Weighing Down On Your Soul

Chronic Stress

When stress affects our lives over an extended period, chronic stress is said to occur. Any life situation can create it, including:

  • Having children
  • Financial troubles
  • An unhappy relationship
  • A toxic work environment
  • Family pressures
  • Coping with a disease

While it’s normal to experience stress sometimes, it becomes chronic when it doesn’t go away. If you have unresolvable issues and recurring worries that can’t be managed, an anxiety treatment program may help.

The Symptoms of Stress

Chronic stress causes symptoms throughout the body, which may be vague enough to make diagnosis difficult. The signs of stress are:

  • Pain and muscle tension
  • Exhaustion
  • Changes in appetite
  • Insomnia
  • High heart rate
  • Shortness of breath
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Low libido
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea and vomiting

When these symptoms are ongoing and stress is chronic, it may affect other areas of life, such as work, relationships, diet, and health.

The long-term effects are equally detrimental, and they can increase the risk of conditions including:

  • Stroke
  • Hypertension
  • Obesity
  • Heart disease
  • Worsening respiratory conditions
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Migraine

Stress also has significant effects on mental health, worsening existing conditions and creating new ones.

Anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and panic attacks are more common among those with chronic stress.

If stress is managed, however, these conditions can be mitigated or prevented.

Managing Stress

In some situations, people can treat stress by addressing the conditions that cause it. For instance, someone who frequently works overtime can restructure their workload and responsibilities. It’s not always possible to eliminate stressors, though.

Family struggles, financial worries, and workplace problems can’t always be solved. At times like those, self-care is a crucial part of stress management.

Coping Strategies

It’s easier to make poor choices when stressed. For instance, many people sleep less, use substances, and eat unhealthy foods when they’re under strain.

Those who recognize stress signs, however, can employ coping strategies such as:

  • Getting enough exercise. Intentional movement—whether it’s a vigorous workout or a slow walk—combats stress.
  • Practicing mindfulness. Meditation is a formal way to practice mindfulness, but living in the moment can be just as effective.
  • Spending time with other people. Building healthy relationships can make it easier to deal with stress.
  • Getting enough sleep. Adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night for emotional and physical health.
  • Seeking help. Therapists and healthcare providers can offer strategies for effective daily stress management.

While stress is a part of life, it doesn’t have to be insurmountable. When we understand its purpose and know how to control it, we experience greater well-being and health.

Help With Stress

Chronic stress comes from several sources, including family problems and financial worries. When left unchecked, it can create symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and difficulty focusing.

Once chronic stress and its symptoms are identified, it’s possible to lessen the effects on your long-term well-being and health.

With the tips above—and the help of a professional—it is possible to keep stress under control.

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