Stress burdens your psyche as well as your body with additional emotional and physical tension, and it can easily take control of your life if you let it. Whether it surrounds your health, work, or personal life, it’s easy to allow this weight to hang over your shoulders for long periods of time; days, months, even years.
How stress can affect our daily life
Not many people understand how significantly stress can affect our daily lives both mentally and physically. Stress can lead to myriad health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Studies show that stress is a risk factor for stroke.
How Is Stress Linked To Having A Stroke?
Stress can lead to hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure. When you get stressed out, your body sends stress hormones – adrenaline and cortisol – into the bloodstream. There becomes a drastic spike in blood pressure, causing your heart to beat faster and narrowing the blood vessels.
The more stress there is in the body, the more pressurized the blood vessels are. This makes people more prone to heart disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke, heart attack, and life-threatening conditions more.
Signs of Blood Pressure Spike:
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or numbness in your arms, legs, face
- Anxiety
Tips to Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Trying to get rid of stress or anxiety is easier said than done, and it doesn’t happen instantly. By having these tips and tricks up your sleeve, the next time you are going through an anxiety attack or feel stress creeping up on you, you’ll know exactly what to do to get rid of it.
Reduce Caffeine Intake
Caffeine is consumed to restore mental alertness or wakefulness. It’s a stimulant that can help you wake up each morning but inevitably results in an energy crash later in the day. Having too much caffeine within 24 hours can elevate your cortisol levels (stress hormones).
Spend Time With Friends and Family
Being around family and friends is another de-stressor that you can incorporate into your daily or weekly routine. By spending time with those you love, you tend to forget about insignificant things and allow yourself to unwind, relax, and fave fun.
Other supplements that can reduce stress include magnesium, vitamin B-complex, and herbal supplements.
