Chronic Stress
Stress is a feeling of emotional or mental tension and strain caused by demanding or adverse circumstances. In most cases, it’s a normal reaction to potentially challenging or dangerous situations. Whenever the body senses danger, the hypothalamus, located at the brain’s base, react, sending hormone and nerve signals to the adrenal glands, which then release hormones in abundance. One hormone it releases is adrenaline, which works to increase heartbeat and breathing rate and contract the blood vessels, among others.
However, as helpful as it can be, frequent bouts of overwhelming stress can result in many different health problems. These include gastritis, hypertension, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, weight gain, and cardiovascular problems. Thus, it’s best not to take stress for granted, especially if you experience it daily. While it may not be possible to get rid of it entirely, there are stress management strategies that can limit its impact on overall health.
Some fundamental ways to begin are by adopting a healthy diet, aiming for at least seven hours of sleep every night, and engaging in regular exercise. Self-care is also essential, giving you enough time to rest and relax. In addition, meditation techniques can also ease stress.
