Reducing Stress: Five Long-Term Health Benefits

Stress is a ubiquitous problem that causes many health problems. According to the American Psychological Association, around 77 percent of people say that they regularly suffer physical symptoms of stress. Of these, 73 percent report psychological problems associated with stress. These symptoms often include upset stomach, headaches, changes in appetite, irritability, anger, depression, fatigue and bouts of crying. Occasional stress is normal, but prolonged and unaddressed, stress can destroy your health. However, when it’s being controlled, stress has little negative impact. Here are five long-term health benefits of reducing stress.

Heart Health

Stress is one of the biggest contributors to heart attacks and heart disease. When you’re stressed, your body pumps out adrenaline, “the fight or flight” hormone. If you can’t fight something or run away from it, adrenaline serves no useful purpose. Over time, it overworks the heart and causes blood pressure to soar, placing undue strain on the blood vessels. Taking steps to reduce stress now can save you from falling prey to the number one killer of both men and women.

Immune Function

Cortisol, which is also called the stress hormone, does little more than cause trouble because most people are stressed all day, every day. One of its most sinister effects is hindering immune function. This makes you more vulnerable to everything from the common cold to cancer. Take every opportunity you can to relax. Soak in a Hot Tub, get a massage, or play a favorite game. It could keep you from getting sick.

Obesity and Diabetes

Cortisol wreaks havoc on blood glucose levels, causing sugar cravings and making you less sensitive to the effects of insulin. This causes your body to store much of what you eat as fat, even if you’re not overeating. If left unchecked, it will also cause diabetes. Reducing your chances of these health problems depends on stress control.

Mental Health

Depression, anger and anxiety are increasingly common mental health problems. They also typically have their roots in uncontrolled stress. These negative emotions can have a severe impact on other areas of life, such as isolating people from loved ones, increasing the likelihood of suicide and promoting substance abuse. Reducing stress is essential for protecting mental health and supporting a positive outlook.

Better Living

Studies have shown that people who take steps to combat stress, such as working from home, are more likely to eat better and exercise more. By doing those things, they also reduce their susceptibility to stress’ negative effects and reduce their risk of many diseases.