CHRONIC STRESS

Chronic Stress

Chronic stress is your body’s response to low-grade demands that threaten you on a daily basis. Often times, chronic stress develops from the pressure of trying to meet all of your own expectations such as working multiple jobs to make ends meet, getting to places on time, arguing with someone close to you, or overcommitting to activities or workloads.

Examples of Symptoms

Physical symptoms include: Increased heart rate, difficulty sleeping, muscle tension, chest tightness or discomfort.

Emotional symptoms include: Anxiousness, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating.

If left untreated, chronic stress can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, a lowered immune system, irritable bowel syndrome, and digestive problems.

Treatments and Prevention

To best treat chronic stress, finding ways to reduce your emotional response will be most effective. You can do this through a series of relaxation techniques, different types of therapies, and seeking professional help. Additionally, you can help prevent the onset of chronic stress by setting more realistic expectations for yourself, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen, getting quality sleep, and having a strong support system to lean on.