Stress is Bad for Our Bodies as Well as Our Minds
Who knew that the effects of stress on our bodies are so numerous?
What We Know
I think that many of us are aware that stress can cause elevated pulse rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk for heart attacks and strokes. And, obviously, stress activates the nervous system, with the release of cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine, causing the fight or flight response. And it is associated with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
You have probably noticed that when you are stressed it is harder to concentrate and to remember things that you need to know. Headache? Back pain? Sore muscles? Stress can cause these, too. And, for some people, it causes panic attacks.
But Were You Aware that...?
Perhaps you weren't aware that stress can interfere with immune function, making us more susceptible to infections. It can cause gastrointestinal upsets, with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. It can worsen acne, psoriasis and eczema. In men, it can cause erectile dysfunction and lowered sperm production; and in women, irregular menstrual cycles and reduced fertility.
Stress can also lead to shortening of telomeres (specialized proteins at the ends of chromosomes). This was previously thought to lead to earlier death, but more recent studies question this.
One More Reason to Pay Attention to Our Stress Level
All of these effects of stress are one more reason why it is important to deal with it. Not only does stress make us feel miserable emotionally; it can make us sick, and even lead to premature death. I relieve my stress by doing self-hypnosis (which is identical to certain forms of meditation). Self-hypnosis enables my Inner Guide, which is dedicated to making me comfortable, work on my behalf to end my stress. What do you do to relieve your stress?