Between the challenges of careers, the obligations to family, and all the other priorities that we have to take care of throughout our week, there’s your body and your mind. We’re not just talking about those regular ups and downs, where you might have a few obstacles to overcome. When it comes to stress, we mean those tests and trials that leave you feeling beaten down, worried, or even overwhelmed. You might also find yourself feeling exhausted or weakened because of stress.
Who wants to be left feeling like that? Yet, there’s even more to it than simply how you feel. Stress can wreak havoc on your both and your mind, not to mention your well-being. While stress might be a fact of life, today, we’re going to see exactly how stress damages your body and a few tips on how to better manage it before it gets out-of-control. As a result, you’ll be able to live a happier, more productive life that centers around building your health.
What Causes Stress?
The answer to this question will be different for every single person. In the case of stress, there can be a wide range of factors that contribute to it in any one person’s life. Still, there are some common and more general causes that can contribute to stress during your week. Maybe you’re going through a major change in your life or having difficulties with someone you know. You could also be experiencing financial hardship or maybe you’re just juggling a lot of tasks every month. In addition to understanding how stress damages your body, it’s important to identify the cause of your individual stress.
How can Stress Damage My Body and My Mind?
First, stress kicks your body into high gear, preparing it for a struggle. This means that your immune system gets an initial boost, your body is put on alert, and your body releases a slew of chemicals into your blood stream. These include cortisol and adrenaline. Adrenaline is probably a no-brainer for many of you, so let’s skip to the other one. Cortisol has a variety of effects on your body. On the one hand, if left unchecked, it can lead to immune system suppression, memory fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and many others. This is because, in essence, your body (and your mind) are being prepared for a serious showdown. Over time, however, the consequences can be severe, even possibly fatal.
What are Some of the Symptoms of Stress?
On our path to health and wellness, we’ll need to learn the signs of stress on our bodies. This way, we can take action to mitigate the cause, but also manage the emotions. Here are just a few of the symptoms associated with stress:
- Difficulty remembering important items
- Obsessive worry that can’t be dismissed
- Nausea and fatigue
- Faster breathing and a quicker heart rate
- Feelings of having a cold, as well as general aches
- An inability to eat properly
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Headaches or migraines
How Can I Better Handle Stress in My Life?
Even though you can’t completely remove the challenges we face in everyday life, there’s good news. You can always better manage your stress or even eliminate it. Now, don’t expect all your stress to disappear all at once forever. For many of us, it’s a journey of constant improvement toward a better quality of life. Here’s some ideas to get you started:
- Focus on having a positive attitude
- Make time to relax during your week
- Get a full night’s sleep and eat right
- Meet with friends and family regularly
- Keep a weekly exercise schedule
Of course, if you’re in need of some immediate relief from stress or merely want to reset and relax, our massage clinics in Seattle can help. Our staff in Redmond, Roosevelt, and Queen Anne are always ready to put you in the direction of a healthy lifestyle. Give us a call and ask how a massage can aid in helping you overcome your stress!
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APR
2017
