For many people, a low-grade amount of stress is a part of everyday life. So, they may not recognize that it hurts their overall health. However, studies have shown how too much stress can affect your mind and body on a long-term basis and affect your peace of mind. In addition, you’re more likely to suffer from digestive issues and a weak immune system if your mind is persistently stressed. In this article, you learn more about the effects of stress on the body.
What are the Long-term Effects of Stress on the body?
Cortisol, the hormone your body produces when you’re stressed, can take a heavy toll on your physical and mental health—because of this, giving your mind time to relax and recover is one of the most important self-care routines you can practice.
Your state of mind can benefit your health greatly or degrade it over time.
Digestion
Your liver produces glucose to boost energy when your body feels the effects of stress. However, if you’re suffering from chronic stress, your body may be unable to keep up with the extra blood sugar your liver produces.
You may be at an increased risk of developing type-2 diabetes if your body produces too much glucose. In addition, you’re more likely to have heartburn or acid reflux if stressed. Stress doesn’t stop ulcers, but it may cause pre-existing ulcers to act up.
Sexuality and Reproductive System
Stress affects the menstrual cycles of some women. Although you may have irregular or even non-existent periods or more painful or heavier cycles., too much stress may magnify the physical symptoms of menopause for women. For men, prolonged periods of stress can result in a drop in testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction, and even impotence.
For many, the loss of sexual appetite is expected due to too much stress.
Immune System
Stress stimulates the immune system, which is good if it’s short-term because it helps your body stave off infection and heals wounds. But if you’re stressed for prolonged periods, cortisol compromises your immune system. This inhibits histamine secretion and your body’s ability to respond to foreign dangers.
People affected by chronic stress are more likely to catch viral illnesses like the common cold. If you’re chronically stressed, it also takes more time for the body to recover from injuries or illness.
Relaxation Techniques to Calm Your Mind
There are numerous techniques for calming your mind. For some;
- Exercise is an excellent outlet to give their minds time to recharge.
- Meditation is a well-known method for clearing your mind. Many different meditation styles are tailored to suit your needs and lifestyle.
- Remember to focus on the positives rather than everything going on around you.
- Practice self-love and compassion and acknowledge your reality rather than criticize yourself.
- Set daily routines that will provide a daily sense of peace and comfort that you can use to escape the stresses of everyday life, even if it’s just a few minutes each day.
- The well-being of your mind plays a significant role in your health, physically and mentally. Maintaining a peaceful state of mind is one of the best ways to protect your body from the adverse effects of stress.
Remember that stress and anxiety are inevitable hurdles everyone deals with. But the key is managing the stresses of your everyday life and overcoming them.
Tweet: Yes, a calm mind is a healthy mind. Read more about how a stressed-out mind affects the body.
