Raising children is stressful. If you have recently welcomed a newborn into the world, are juggling a toddler’s frustrations, or dealing with a moody teenager, you will understand that parenting doesn’t always feel easy.
While you will love your children more than anything in the world, they are likely a huge source of your daily worries. For example, you might stress over their health, education, emotions, and social skills, or your family’s finances.
Yet, too much stress can play havoc with your health and happiness, which is why you must slow down and make more time for relaxation. Learn about the different ways stress affects the body.
Increased Inflammation
Chronic stress is not only bad for your mental health, but it can increase inflammation in your body. While this might not sound like a big deal, it is widely believed that excess inflammation is behind many common diseases, such as:
-
Heart disease
-
Autoimmune disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis)
-
Diabetes
If you want to live a long and healthy life, you must find ways to counteract stress, such as meditating, walking outdoors, or exercising.
Hair Loss
Most people believe that hair loss is hereditary. However, various lifestyle factors can determine your hair thickness and growth. Significant emotional stress can cause hair production to shut down, which is known as Telogen Effluvium.
While your hair might grow back after lowering your stress levels, a failure to manage your stress levels may cause irreversible damage. If you suspect chronic stress has caused permanent hair loss, don’t despair, as hair transplants are available to restore your locks and self-confidence.
Lower Immunity
Various studies have found that chronic stress can play havoc with a person’s immune system. If you have noticed you are struggling with more colds than usual or experiencing more flare-ups of a health issue, your stress levels might be to blame for your lower immunity. Protect your health by finding ways to banish stress, from decreasing your workload to distancing yourself from people who add drama into your life.
Skin Condition Flare-ups
If you are one of the millions of people in the world living with eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, you must lower your stress levels to prevent an unwanted flare-up. Skincare products can only work so much when you are struggling with stress, and the best way to avoid a condition is to relax and unwind.
Digestive Issues
Many people experience a stomach ache when they feel worried or stressed, proving the connection between your mental health and your digestive system. If you have recently felt stressed and it accompanies gas, pain, constipation, or diarrhea, it is a warning sign you need to lower your rising stress levels.
Also, avoid turning to food for comfort after a busy day at work or when juggling worries. A bad diet can amplify digestive issues, lower your mood, and even trigger complex digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or acid reflux (GERD).
