World renown researcher and story-teller, Brene Brown, said it best. “We are the most in debt, obese, addicted, and medicated adult cohort in US history.” We have learned to numb our pain and vulnerability with momentary band-aids. We fail to deal with the root of our problems.
As a result, we are unhealthy, unhappy and unfulfilled.
Maybe you’re already aware that you’re not dealing with your pain and life stressors. You know that you need to develop an exercise routine, spend more time with family, or maybe even see a therapist. You see the your relationships suffering and you notice the constant tension headaches, yet you haven’t taken action.
Stressed Out, Beware Of?
If that sounds like you, read on. Below are 6 reasons why you should to take action and begin managing your stress. Here’s what long term exposure to the stress hormone, cortisol, can do to your body.
1. Cardiovascular disease– More research is needed on the real connection between stress and cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of Americans. However, what we do know is that stress is correlated with behaviors that are medically proven to increase the risk of heart disease. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and overeating are all behaviors that impact heart health and are used to cope with stress. If you reduce the stress, you will likely reduce factors that contribute to heart disease. (1)
2. Hypertension– In stressful situations, your body produces stress hormones that cause your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to narrow. This leads to a temporarily higher blood pressure. (2) If you live in a constant state of stress, you will likely have hypertension problems.
3. Abdominal obesity– Stress activates the body’s fear response. It sends a message to the brain that signals danger. As a result, you body goes into a survival and self-preservation mode that is very primal in nature. It may store higher amounts of fat in case meals are scarce. In times of real danger or famine, this dynamic helped our ancestors that were hunters and gathers; however today, abdominal obesity only adds more stress.
4. Sexual Dysfunction– Studies have shown that higher levels of the stress hormone are correlated with higher levels of distraction and lower levels of genital arousal during sexual stimulation. In short, stress is distracting during intimacy! (3)
5. Anxiety and Depression– In addition to cortisol, stress stimulates the production of adrenalin. This hormone allows us to run faster and jump higher, especially in moments of danger. However, adrenaline is not meant to sit around in the body. It is expelled through physical activity. Unfortunately, modern psychological stressors like paying bills or meeting deadlines, do not allow for the physical expulsion of adrenaline. The result is a sense of being constantly keyed up, tense, on edge and ready to jump at a moment’s notice. These are symptoms of generalized anxiety.
6. Shorter life expectancy– Diabetes, ulcers, brain atrophy, cancer, dementia, sleep disorders — the list goes on and on. Countless health problems, in addition to the 5 above, have been found to be associated with chronic stress. Overall, the outcome is a shorter life expectancy.
Of course, this post is not intended to scare you, but to educate you. If you know that your stress levels are out of control, create a plan to take action. Join a gym, talk to your doctor, or join a support group. Your health matters!
1. Heart.org
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
About the Author: Kaity Rodriguez, MSW, LCSW is the founder and director of Serenity Wellness and Therapy Services, located in Fairfield NJ. The practice was founded to be a haven for anxious perfectionists, stress-out high achievers, and those who struggle with self-esteem and confidence challenges.
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