Are you stressed out? Feeling like there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done? Feeling the pressure at work? Too much on your plate? Dealing with a lot right now?
You aren’t alone. According to a recent study, 77% of people in the US state they feel regularly feel stress. 77%! That’s more than ¾ of everyone living in the US. With work, social, and family demands it’s no surprise.
So now that we know we’re all in the stress boat together, what effect does all of this stress have on our bodies?
Medical research shows that stress has a great impact on your overall health. From common physiological symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, chest pain, fatigue, stomach upset, hair loss, sleep problems, and change in sex drive; to psychological symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, lack of motivation, lack of focus, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, and depression. Additional effects include overeating, undereating, and social withdrawal. Probably the most marked symptom of stress is the increase in susceptibility to illness. Stress has been shown to inhibit your immune system, making you ineffective at fighting off sickness.
Luckily, if you get sick of feeling sick all the time, there are some proven ways to manage stress. Finding ways to alleviate stress can have a great impact on your health. Many people have found success with incorporating and making time for physical activity, meditation, yoga, massages, socializing, and setting aside time for hobbies such as reading or listening to music.
Don’t forget to aim for plenty of sleep, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco, and excessive alcohol and caffeine. If all else fails, schedule a visit with your doctor. There may be an unseen cause for your stress or they may have some insight into treatment.