Stress is one of the more commonly used terms, and we all understand the implications it has on our mental health. However, that is not the entire extent of the impact of stress.
Causing much duress, stress also wreaks havoc on your physical health as well. It is especially dangerous when stress becomes chronic.
Alongside causing bodily aches and pains, stress leads to stomach issues, back problems, fatigue, inflammation, and sexual dysfunction. But perhaps the most profound impact is on the health of the heart.
Stress and your heart
The damage that stress does on your heart is greater than all other physical factors that contribute towards heart disease. Therefore, even if you are healthy otherwise but take stress, you might still be needing the intervention of the best cardiologist in Lahore, such grave is the situation.
Ways in which stress damages your heart includes:
Increases heart rate: When you are stressed, your heart starts to beat faster as well.
Increases risk factors: Chronic stress can increase blood cholesterol levels alongside blood sugar and triglycerides. Moreover, it also increases the risk of hypertension as well.
Inflammation: Chronic stress also leads to inflammation in the arteries, disrupting the blood flow, promoting formation of blood clots, and thus leading to issues in the body.
Heart and cardiovascular problems: Cumulative effect of these factors then pave way for heart disease and cardiovascular problems. Stress also contributes towards myocardial ischemia, which is reduced blood flow to the heart. Furthermore, stress also increases the probability of heart attack and stroke.
Other complications: Stress also increases the risk of diabetes, which in turn leads to higher risk of heart problems.
Managing stress to better health
Get regular exercise
Regular exercise is not only helpful for improving your physical health, but it also plays a positive role towards your emotional and mental health as well.
Alongside promoting the release of endorphins, which help in improving mood, exercise also aids in lowering stress levels.
Being around people you love has a great influence on your mood. It also helps in lowering your stress levels and improving your emotional health. So, for to better manage your stress levels, make time for your friends and family.
Invest your time well
Rather than wasting your time thinking negative thoughts, it is best that you invest it well. Take up hobbies that help you be distracted from the destructive and distressing thoughts. These hobbies also allow you to feel productive as well.
Practice relaxation techniques
To cue your body to release the pent-up stress and anxiety, it is helpful to regularly practice relaxation techniques. Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness are some ways you can relax yourself.
Sleep well
Quality shuteye is imperative for your well-being. Insufficient sleep not only leads to increased risk of heart problems, but it also can cause mental health problems as well. So, aim for getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep, every day.
Think positive
You attract the energy you keep. If you keep thinking negatively, you are more likely to become stressed. Therefore, to change your outlook and lower stress levels, think positive. It might not be easy at first, but for the sake of your health, you need to actively pursue positive thinking.
Some helpful steps to do in this regard include keeping a positive mantra handy, using daily affirmations, keeping a wellness journal, reading uplifting material and practicing gratitude.
Unwind
Try also to unwind yourself at the end of the day so as to lower your stress levels. Some things that can be of help include reading, watching standup comedy, going out for coffee, etc.
Seeking professional help
At times, you may need more help with stress management. Mental health experts like those at oladoc.com can help you learn techniques for better grasp on your stress levels. They can also facilitate you in understanding and remedying the underlying cause for the heightened stress levels.
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