Stressed Out? Don’t Let it Steal Your Health
Stress is a natural response—but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to breakouts, high blood pressure, depression, and tension headaches. In this guide, we reveal how cortisol and adrenaline affect your body and share four lifestyle adjustments to help you manage stress holistically and protect your long‑term wellbeing.
Whilst unavoidable, being stressed or in a state of perceived ‘stress’ is a natural response not designed to be a constant circumstance. A prolonged period of stress can have detrimental effects on both your physical and mental health.
Transform Stressful Lives with Lifestyle Changes
Here are four changes you may notice when going through a period of prolonged stress:
Your Skin
When our bodies are stressed, it produces a hormone called Cortisol, which is known to increase the production of oil on the skin. It, therefore, stands to reason that with increased stress and oil levels, you may experience more pimples and breakouts than usual. In some instances, you may even notice the onset of acne.
Your Blood Pressure
Constant stress can contribute to the onset of high blood pressure and cardiac disease by increasing the production of adrenaline and cortisol hormones. If you experience dizziness, hot flushes, heart palpitations, unexplained headaches, or anxiety, please consult a healthcare practitioner immediately. Early evaluation can help safeguard your well-being.
Depression
Depression is often linked to prolonged stress. It stems from chemical changes in the brain and should be addressed promptly to prevent complications such as memory loss. Recently, scientists have proven that when going through a prolonged period of stress. It affects the body’s production of new brain cells in the Hippocampus of the brain, resulting in both depression and anxiety.
Headaches
When in a state of stress, you may experience involuntary muscle contractions in the head, neck and chest area. These involuntary muscle contractions can cause what is known as tension headaches, headaches which can vary in intensity and duration. Tension headaches can be debilitating and will require medical assistance in order to manage or maintain a normal and functional life.
Our bodies are not built for constant stress, but unfortunately, we are not able to press a ‘stop’ button on life. It is, therefore, a priority to take care of your mental and physical health at all times. Eat healthily, supplement your lifestyle with nutraceuticals. Manage your stress symptoms by consulting a functional medicine doctor who can provide a holistic approach to maintaining your overall health.
