Think stress only affects your mood? Think again! Stress, especially chronic stress, can take a toll on your overall health if you're not careful.
Our team at AFC Urgent Care Hartsdale wants to provide you with insight on how to better manage your stress so that your heath doesn't suffer.
What Does Stress Do to Your Body?
When you start to feel stressed, your heart can start pounding fast and your muscles tighten. In addition, you can feel your blood pressure rising and your breathing changes.
It is your body getting ready for fight or flight, which is a way of your body protecting itself from danger.
Common Signs of Stress
- Acne
- Appetite changes
- Chronic pain
- Decreased energy
- Digestive issues
- Headaches
- Insomnia
Is Stress Harmful to Your Health?
While stress can be a good thing when it warns you of potential danger, too much stress can take a toll on your health if you are not careful.
Chronic stress has been shown to increase your risk of developing many medical conditions, including heart disease and stroke. That's why it's important to find effective methods of managing stress.
Ways to Manage Stress
- Exercise regularly.
- Meditate or sit quietly with your thoughts.
- Reduce your caffeine intake.
- Write in a journal.
- Chew gum.
- Laugh.
- Spend time with loved ones.
