The human condition is mired in stress. Man in the prehistoric ages and man in the modern world experience stress, albeit in different forms. Stress is simply something that your mind and body perceive as novel and potentially harmful or threatening. It can come in a variety of forms, for example, people face environmental stress when they have to run away from a predator like a bear. Chronic stress is a form of mental stress that can be problematic in the long run. Whilst low levels of stress are necessary for growth, high levels of stress affect the body and mind.
Problems with Sleep
Stress does not just occur in the mind. It has bodily manifestations too, for example, the production of hormones and chemicals like adrenaline. If your day-to-day life is stressful, this can take a toll on your body and sleep. The over-production of some hormones makes it tricky to get uninterrupted sleep. In turn, a poor night’s sleep can impact our cognitive and physical capabilities the next day. In some cases, we get more stressed owing to a lack of sleep which leads to negative spiraling.
Less Effective Immune System
Our immune system plays an important role in our overall health. If anything, the pandemic has taught us that our immune system guards against infectious diseases and common colds. As we age, this protection gets naturally weaker, but stress can compound this further. This is why it may be common to see many of your loved ones falling ill and having a long convalescence. To guard against this, managing our stress levels and having a well-balanced diet is essential.
Vision and Hearing Loss
Stress seems extremely far removed from our physical senses but there exists a strong connection between these. With the production of the stress hormone, adrenaline, our blood vessels become smaller which can result in the temporary loss of our sight and hearing. In some cases, these changes are even permanent.
Risk of Heart Disease
The production of adrenaline also increases one’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This in turn leads to heart complications and a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. In those above 60, heart attacks may also occur more frequently. To keep stress at bay, it is recommended that one engages in relaxation exercises like simple deep breathing, meditation, or enjoying a hobby.
Onset of Dementia
Dementia refers to the cognitive decline experienced by many people. This is brought about when one has cardiovascular issues which in turn affect brain health. Damage to the heart prevents brain cells from receiving an adequate amount of nutrients. Thus, managing stress levels by exercise is recommended.
Depressive Symptoms
Depression has been found to affect people of all ages but is exacerbated by stress as it directly affects one’s quality of life. The stressors of daily life should be adequately addressed in your loved ones. Moreover, it is important to have a well-knit community of peers that support you in challenging times as loneliness makes one more prone to remain stressed.
