Your mental health is essential. And it’s also necessary to know when you’re stressed and how to reduce that stress.
Stress can manifest in several ways, including a racing heart, shallow breathing, and trembling. But you probably already know these symptoms.
Do you also know that stress can make you sick? Stress has been shown to cause headaches, upset stomach, muscle pain, chest pain, insomnia, diarrhoea or constipation, depression or anxiety, and loss of sex drive. If you feel like you experience these symptoms regularly—or your friends have mentioned them to you—you may be experiencing chronic stress.
Chronic stress can have a severe impact on your physical health. It can suppress your immune system and raise blood pressure levels. It can even lead to heart disease!
Your long-term health needs to reduce stress in your life. To do this, try some of these methods:
- exercise
- eat healthy foods
- get enough sleep
- take care of yourself
- Talk with a counsellor or other professional if you need help.
- Practising mindfulness and meditation
- Taking regular breaks during daytime
- Making a to-do list and prioritising the items on it
- Avoid Alcohol and Stimulants like too much coffee
- Try writing down your feelings when you’re feeling stressed.