Getting a Handle on Stress | The Prescription Shop
There are few things that can take as big a toll on your body as stress can—especially when it becomes chronic.
So what is it about stress—which everyone experiences—that is so dangerous, you might wonder.
Simply put, stress doesn’t just affect us mentally; it can wreak havoc on a cellular level.
In fact, stress has been dubbed “the silent killer” by many.
In honor of Stress Awareness Month, let’s take a closer look at the the potential health problems stress can cause and ways you can reduce or better manage it.
Stress Effects
Stress is inevitable. Everyone experiences it to some degree—some more than others.
Stress can be caused by virtually anything; however, work problems, financial struggles, relationship troubles and traumatic events are some of the top causes.
And when our bodies sense stress (i.e., danger, a threat), they naturally go into fight-or-flight mode, a “survival mechanism that is hardwired into our nervous systems.”
When this happens, stress hormones are released in the body, increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. At the same time, other hormones are keeping other systems—like your digestion and immune systems—from working as well.
So if you’re chronically stressed, you’re more prone to getting sick and developing certain diseases because your immune system isn’t performing at 100%.
As you can see, there’s a lot at work when stress enters the picture. And there’s also a lot at risk.
Health problems caused by stress
Chronic stress, in particular, can lead to a number of health issues, including but not limited to:
- asthma
- cancer
- depression and/or anxiety
- digestive disorders
- faster aging
- fertility issues
- headaches and migraines
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- increased risk of colds and other common infections
- obesity
But don’t worry, friends! You have the power to prevent these negative effects by taking strides to reduce or manage your stress.
Taking Steps to Reduce Stress
Before you can get a handle on your stress, first take the time to explore what’s causing it.
Once you have a better understanding of where your stress is coming from, you can then take informed, proactive steps to manage it, such as:
- exercising regularly
- doing relaxation techniques (i.e., deep breathing, meditation, massages, yoga, tai chi)
- getting enough sleep (roughly seven hours a night)
- spending time with loved ones
- taking time for your favorite activities and hobbies
There’s no right way to combat stress—the trick is to find what works best for you.
The Prescription Shop is here to help you be the healthiest version of you. Visit our website today or stop by to chat with our friendly pharmacists about our health services.