Scientists concur that Stress causes actual chemical changes in the brain, and these changes can influence the state of your health! 90% of all doctors visits are physical illnesses related to stress!
Emotional and physical changes that happen in your life, illnesses, and environmental components as (heat, cold, toxins, etc.) cause stress. Depleting your body of the energy also results in becoming over stressed.
Stress is or may be a contributing factor in everything from backaches and insomnia to cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome / fibromyalgia.
Effects of Stress also Include:
1) Headaches
While there are many different types of headaches, the majority are actually “stress headaches" or "tension headaches".2) Sleep problems
Stress usually made a person worry / have anxiety which results in difficulty falling asleep or even having nightmare. Yet, some people under stress might be (genetically?) wired to be very lethargic and tend to sleep more often and for longer hours.
3) More Frequent Colds and Flu
The effect of stress on the immune system is the main cause of most physical illnesses. Prolonged stress can weaken our immune systems and make us extremely vulnerable to many diseases. Colds and Flu are the most commonly reported.
4) Muscle tension ~ especially in neck, back and jaw
Many people compain of muscle aches from the tension of stress.
5) Frustration and depression
Stress makes people more sensitive, irritable or easily frustrated & even cause depression.6) Fatigued or Exhaustion
Fatigue is a common symptom and could also be a result of the lack of quality sleep.
7) Lack of concentration / Forgetfulness
Stress can impact our cognititve & leave our brains "fuzzy". (Cortisol is a stress hormone that circulates through your body when you’re stressed or anxious which inteferes with the energy supply to certain brain cells involved in 'memory').
8) Stress Weight Gain or Loss
Stress can lead to either a weight gain or weight loss depending on the person. (Some people may indulge when they feel stress while others may lose their appetite!)
9) Blood pressure
Blood pressure rises & you may develop chronic high blood pressure.
10) Stomach aches and gastrointestinal disorders
Stress can cause several digestive problems including constipation, diarrhea or IBS.HOW TO MANAGE STRESS
Unfortunetely stress if unavoidable in life, so it's imparative that we learn ways to 'manage' or 'reduce' stress.
You can manage stress by journaling, meditating, exercising, talking ('venting') to others, or engaging in a hobby.
Other ways to Reduce Stress Include:
Reducing caffeine & high-fructose syrup ('addictive sugar') intake
Sleeping Well - which includes regular sleep schedule (6-8 hrs of 'uninterupted' sleep)
Yoga - Classes that emphasize slow, steady movement and gentle stretching are best for stress relief. Look for labels like gentle, for stress relief, or for beginners. Yoga for Beginners & Beyond: Stretch, Strengthen, Be Stress Free! - Ana Brett & Ravi Singh
Supplements & Herbs:
B vitamins ~ The B vitamins - especially B6 and B12 - help regulate the body's response to stress and maintain a healthy nervous system.
Kava kava ~ This herb is known to treat anxiety and insomnia. (It helps relieve acute and chronic anxiety without making you feel drowsy or 'fuzzy.')
Valerian ~ Keeps the nervous system from being overwhelmed. Helps to aid sleep a common side effect of increased stress.
Hops ~ Helps to ease nervousness, restlessness and stress. Also decreases the desire for alcohol.
Chamomile ~ Chamomile is a gentle relaxant and a good nerve tonic aiding herbal stress relief.
Catnip ~ Catnip is an effective herbal remedy for stress that calms and reduces anxiety.
Many herbs can be found in teas such as:
