Stress can cause or worsen many serious health problems, including Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.
Various factors might cause stress. It may be acute stress (short-term) or chronic stress (long-term).
Cardiovascular diseases include heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and strokes.
It can be set off by stressful life events (such as a substantial work presentation), a severe life event (such as a death in the family), or perhaps by nothing at all.
Additionally, it won’t always be a conscious choice; you can be under stress without even being aware of it.
What is Acute Stress?
In the short term, this physical response to stress is beneficial as it increases our alertness, energy, and ability to deal with challenges.
The stress hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol serve as messengers for these effects under acute stress, which is transient or short-lived and includes situations like meeting deadlines, getting stopped in traffic, or abruptly slamming on the brakes to escape an accident.
The physical response to acute stress is the fight-or-flight response, which is a survival mechanism that enables us to respond quickly to perceived threats.
What is Chronic Stress?
Chronic stress is the type of stress that most of us experience daily due to the demands of work, family, and other responsibilities.
It’s not a single event like acute stress but rather ongoing tension that can last for weeks, months, or even years.
Chronic stress has been linked to some of the most severe physical and mental health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, obesity, anxiety disorders, depression, and dementia.
Here Are 12 Common Health Issues Caused By Stress
Physical ailments cause stress for different reasons, like a physical response, work deadlines, family responsibilities, or other causes of anxiety.
1. Headaches And Migraines
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage can help relieve tension headaches and migraines by reducing muscle tension and decreasing inflammation.
2. Heart Disease
Research has shown that massage can help lower blood pressure and heart rate and improve circulation.
All of these factors can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. Weight Gain
Stress causes the body to produce cortisol, leading to increased appetite and cravings for sugary or fatty foods.
Massage can help reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation, which may help prevent weight gain.
4. Gastrointestinal Issues
Studies have shown that massage can help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Massage has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the gut, which can further lessen intestinal issues.
5. Insomnia
If you’re struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep at night, a massage may help. One study found that participants who received a massage before bedtime fell asleep faster and slept more soundly than those who didn’t.
6. Anxiety
Massage is an effective treatment for anxiety, with one study finding that it was just as effective as medication in reducing symptoms like racing thoughts, sleep problems, and irritability.
7. Depression
Research has shown that massage can be an effective treatment for depression. One study found that it was more effective than medication in reducing symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, and hopelessness.
8. Muscle pain
Massage therapy can help relieve muscle pain by promoting relaxation and decreasing inflammation. It can also increase the range of motion and flexibility, which may help prevent future injuries.
9. Arthritis
Massage therapy can help ease arthritis pain by improving circulation and range of motion and decreasing inflammation.
10 . Diabetes
Studies have shown that massage therapy can help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by promoting relaxation and lowering cortisol levels (a stress hormone that can raise blood sugar levels).
11. Compromised Immune System
The body can become vulnerable to infection when stress affects the immune system. Stress can harm the immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and other illnesses.
Massage therapy can help boost the immune system by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
12. Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.
What Actions Can You Do To Lessen Your Stress?
Stress management training can help you deal with changes in a healthier way. It’s important to remember that not all stress we face is terrible.
A certain amount of stress is necessary to help us stay alert and motivated.
But when we’re constantly under stress, it can affect our physical and mental health. That’s why it’s essential to find healthy ways to manage stress.
There are a variety of stress management techniques available, and what works for one person may not work for another. You may need to try a few different methods before you find something that works for you.
Some stress management techniques that you may want to try include:
Do Some Fun Activities: Take a day to engage in something enjoyable, such as reading, walking, or getting a massage.
Meditate: Sit or lie down, unwind, breathe normally, and concentrate on your actions and how your body moves as you breathe.
Write: Describe what is upsetting you and how it makes you feel on paper.
Exercise: Physical activity reduces stress chemicals. Whether dancing, running, swimming, yoga, or anything else, try to discover a hobby you enjoy.
Talk: Make an effort to express your ideas. Ask your doctor for a recommendation to a therapist if you’re having trouble finding someone you can confide in to discuss this.
Getting a massage: Massage therapy can be an effective way to reduce stress and promote relaxation if you’re looking for ways to reduce stress in your life, consider getting a massage.
Conclusion
Stress can have a negative impact on physical and mental health.
Try to discover a hobby you enjoy, or do some massage therapy if you’re having trouble finding someone you can confide in to discuss this.
Massage therapy can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and decreasing cortisol levels.
