Chronic Stress - A consistent state of stress for a long period of time. This leaves the body’s stress hormones in an elevated state that can cause an array of consequences. There are risk factors that put some at an increased risk of chronic stress responses, but it can happen to anyone. Common causes of chronic stress include: work/school, finances, health concerns, grief, relationships, life changes, socio-economics, trauma
Symptoms - Stress can make itself visible in ways that can seem unrelated or easily ignored. Symptoms are also very individual. Some examples of symptoms someone under chronic stress might experience are: aches/pains, energy loss, appetite changes, substance use, more frequent illness, mental fog, loss of interests, emotional disconnect, sleep troubles, digestive trouble
Uh oh...Chronic stress does not manifest only as temporary symptoms. Left unchecked, it can wreak physiological and mental health havoc. Anxiety or depression, sleep disruption, heart disease, high blood pressure, decline in libido, musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, guy disorders, menstrual changes
Reducing stress - Some stressors are unavoidable. Most people can’t just up and leave a taxing job, suddenly solve financial instability, ignore ongoing health issues, or miraculously get 9 hours of sleep with a busy life. Yet, that doesn’t mean we can’t do something. Learning to recognize our triggers and creating healthy coping patterns can help our body better respond to these stressors. Set limits when you can, eat well, calm bedtime routines, physical activity, mindfulness, adjust lifestyle habits, find/use a support system, practice what brings you joy.
Stress is a bodily response to changes, challenges, or tensions. Acute, or short-term stress is entirely natural and necessary. Chronic stress, however, is the type that we often hear about causing problems.
This #NationalStressDay, what can you do to reduce chronic stress?
