Stress Kills: How To Take Control Of Your Stress

Stress is arguably one of the most silent killers on the planet. This is largely because people don’t realize something is going wrong, or they refuse to act on it.

But why does stress contribute to so many aspects ill health, ultimately leading to death? It’s because often it is untraceable. You may not realize you are suffering from stress overload. If you think your stress is rapidly becoming out of control, look for the following tell-tale signs.

What Happens If You Don’t Take Control Of Your Stress?

Weight Gain Around Your Belly

The hormones cortisol and adrenaline surge into your bloodstream each time you experience any amount of stress. These hormones serve to prepare you to run from danger and at the same time tell your body to preserve energy, in the form of stored fat. This is all well and good if you were really in a survival mode with little access to food. But that’s not the case in modern society where, more often than not, we want to reduce body fat and not store it. The overproduction of cortisol in the body encourages the fat to be stored around the belly rather than being evenly spread out around the whole body.

Unexplained Aches And Pain About The Body

A little pain here and there is normal, and should be nothing to get worried over. But it can spell a worrying trend when it occurs too often. And this is the case with being overly stressed all the time. Muscular pains most commonly occur around the back, neck or shoulder areas, and may be attributed to poor sleep patterns, although it is not always the case. Medication to treat the pain many only yield temporary relief, and should not be relied upon as a long term solution.

Frequent Colds And Infections

One thing associated with high stress levels is the negative effect on immunity. Cortisol suppresses the immune system and leaves the body wide open to infection. This is especially troublesome during flu season, and necessitates that extra precautions be taken, such as increasing anti-oxidant food consumption.

Poor Sleep Patterns

Insomnia, or lack or sleep, is usually one of the first signs to appear when you are over-stressed, as cortisol doesn’t work by itself. In fact, it recruits the neurochemicals adrenalin and noradrenalin, which enhance awareness, and energy levels. This is an important function in the mornings when you need that “get up and go” boost, but not at night when you should be unwinding. Use of heavy stimulant based supplements, such as with caffeine, too late at night will cause this to occur.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure involves multiple pathways all experiencing dysfunction for its development, with cortisol happy to oblige. High blood pressure in this case is precipitated by increases retention of water (which increases blood volume), faster heart rate, and blood vessel constriction. All these factors increase blood pressure, so care needs to be taken to manage cortisol and stress levels.

Loss Of Sex Drive

Both men and women require a normal level of testosterone to modulate sex drive, but this important hormone is suppressed when levels of the stress hormone cortisol are high. Cortisol and testosterone share a negatively inverse relationship, meaning that as one goes up, the other goes down. If this loss of sex drive occurs in a young person, who previously displayed normal behavior, it can be a clear indicator that the person is overstressed.

Frequent Outbursts Or Mood Swings

It can be hard to maintain a level head when stress levels are high, causing you to lash out to anyone who seemingly irritates you. This isn’t normal behavior, especially if you’re normally very level headed. If it does occur, it may be best to reduce work load, and spend more time with family and loved ones in a bid to relax.

Depression Or Feelings Of Inadequacy

Stress can seriously affect your emotional well-being, especially since it can tear apart relationships with loved ones. You’re likely to be irritable, picking fights, or feel pressured to perform. This can amount to depression, anxiety or feelings of disappointment. Depression is sometimes difficult to diagnose, especially in individuals who don’t possess a strong support system.

Free Guide: Take Control of Your Stress

If you find yourself experiencing one or more of the symptoms above with increasing frequency, it’s time to take a step back from the burden you have placed on your shoulders and take control of your stress.

Mindful fitness is a way of life and an opportunity to improve not only your fitness but your mental and emotional health too. Download my free report, The Mindful Fitness Guide to learn 4 mindfulness exercises that not only help you to take control of your stress but also provide physical benefits too.