Stress. A word we are all too familiar with. From jobs, to relationships, paying bills and even just turning on the TV at news time, it seems to accompany us wherever we turn. While ‘normal’ stress goes away with measures such as taking time off work, hanging out with loved ones, prayer and the like, sometimes it goes overboard. Chronic stress if not managed in time has negative effects on our health.
Sleep Deprivation
You’ve probably been through it before- after a long day you just want to rest, but sleep evades you. Or you keep waking up at night. There’s something on your mind constantly nagging. The fact that you can’t sleep causes you more stress and the cycle continues. Stress interferes with the production of sleep-inducing hormones, causing hyperarousal.
Digestion Issues
Severe stress upsets the balance of bacteria in the gut leading to problems such as constipation and running stomach. It also disrupts the intestinal nervous system which controls how food moves, resulting in irritable bowel syndrome. Your stomach lining also becomes increasingly sensitive to acid- a condition known as heartburn.
Weight Loss Struggles
Cortisol, the stress hormone, increases the body’s energy requirements. You’ll therefore find yourself with a larger appetite when stressed. As a result weight loss becomes an uphill task. In conjunction with adrenaline, cortisol raises your heart and breathing rate. This sends a signal to the brain that the body requires more sugar. In such times you’re likely to reach for a quick fix- sugary snacks/ comfort food.
Faster Ageing
Stress accelerates ageing. Scary, right? Our bodies age through the process of cell division. Telomeres (the ends of our chromosomes) preserve the genetic code during this process. With each cell division, telomeres get shorter. When they become too short too quickly, a cell dies since it can’t divide any further.
Given these severe effects, what should we do? First, identify stressers in your life. Then write a list of possible solutions. Solve what you can and leave the rest. Ask for help- you can only do so much on your own anyway. Create time to do what you love without pressure. Have a ‘no electronics day’: switch off the TV, your phone, laptop, tablet and do something fun outdoors. Find whatever works, and your body will thank you.
