9 harmful effects of stress more dangerous than you think

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Stress is a natural response of the body when dealing with pressures in life. This condition is quite common today and can be encountered in all subjects. Stress not only affects psychological well-being, but also has a worse impact on health than you think.

1. What causes stress?

Stress can be caused by many different things. In general, common causes of stress include:
Work pressure; Academic problems and pressure for grades; Lack of time; Financial burden; The departure of acquaintances; Family problems are one of the causes of stress; Health problems such as frequent illness, serious illness; Trouble in emotional and social relationships; Get pregnant or become a parent; Experiencing dangerous situations such as accidents, fires; Use of stimulants; Excessive noise or crowding and environmental pollution; Pessimistic, negative thinking; Pursuit of perfectionism, expectations too high.

2. 9 harmful effects of stress are more dangerous than you think

2.1. Stress makes it hard to control your emotions A 2013 study found that even mild levels of stress can affect your ability to manage your emotions. In the study, researchers taught participants stress management skills. But after the participants were mildly stressed by dipping their hands in cold water, they were unable to calm down when shown images of snakes or spiders. The results show that even mild stress, such as very minor events encountered in everyday life, can impair the ability to manage fear and stress.
2.2. Stress can promote illness Stress has been linked to conditions including cancer, lung disease, accidents, suicide, and cirrhosis of the liver. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have found that children exposed to chronic stress are more likely to develop mental illness if they have a genetic predisposition from their parents.
2.3. Stress can affect your sex life Sex is a fun and effective way to relieve stress. But stress can also have a negative impact on your sex life. A 1984 study found that stress can affect a man's body weight, testosterone levels, and sex drive. Many other studies have also shown that stress – especially performance anxiety – can lead to impotence. High stress levels in pregnant women can also cause changes in their children as they grow, especially behavioral and developmental problems.
2.4. Stress can damage your teeth and gums Some people often react to difficult situations by grinding their teeth. Most people grind their teeth unconsciously or while sleeping, but it can cause long-term damage to your jaw as well as wear down your teeth.
A 2012 study linked stress with gum disease. The researchers concluded that the pressures of marriage, parenthood, and work are factors that contribute to periodontal disease. In particular, those most at risk are those who are easily emotional in the face of financial stress.
2.5. Stress can damage your heart Stress can damage your heart muscle. Stress damages the heart because stress hormones increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels. This forces the heart to work harder and raises blood pressure. According to the American Institute of Stress, rates of heart attack and sudden death increase after major stressful events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

2.6. Weight gain is one of the harmful effects of stress Researchers at the University of Miami have found that, a person is 40% more likely to consume food than usual when in stressful situations. . These scientists recommend turning off the nightly news before dinner to avoid being updated with bad news on television.
2.7. Stress can make you age Chronic stress contributes significantly to premature aging. Researchers at the University of California have found that stress shortens telomeres (structures at the ends of chromosomes) that prevent new cells from growing rapidly. This leads to inevitable signs of aging such as wrinkles, weak muscles, poor eyesight, etc.
2.8. Stress weakens your immune system Stress puts a strain on your body's metabolism, making your immune system vulnerable, making you more susceptible to colds and infections. The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends mindfulness exercises as well as social media to reduce stress.
2.9. Stress can lead to long-term disability. The potential dangers of even mild stress should not be underestimated. They can lead to long-term disability. The researchers came to this conclusion after a five-year study of 17,000 Swedish adults, aged 18 to 64, published in 2011 by the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health. One of four study subjects in the Stockholm area who suffered from mild stress received disability benefits for physical conditions such as angina, high blood pressure and stroke. Nearly two-thirds received support due to a mental illness.

3. How to manage stress

To manage stress, you must first identify your stressors or stressors. Then, find ways to deal with the inevitable negative stressors. Well-managed stress levels can help reduce your risk of stress-related conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and more. Here are some basic ways to start managing stress:
Establish a healthy diet, rich in fiber and vitamins; Aim to sleep at least 7 to 8 hours a day; Exercise regularly; Minimize the use of caffeine and alcohol; Stay socially connected so you can get support from people; Make time to gather with family and loved ones; Take time to rest and relax after tiring working days; Experience planting trees, raising pets,...; Take more care of yourself; Learn meditation techniques like deep breathing or yoga.

If you can't manage your stress or if it's accompanied by anxiety or depression, see your doctor right away. These conditions can be controlled with treatment if you get timely support. You may also consider consulting a therapist or other mental health professional.
The harmful effects of stress on physical and mental health are undeniable. Therefore, everyone should try to maintain a happy and comfortable mentality, try to stay calm, and be patient to overcome difficult situations in life.

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Reference sources: healthline.com, webmd.com