How stress can harm your health — and what to do about it

Stress is a part of daily life and can have negative effects on physical and mental health. When individuals perceive a threat, hormones are released in the body, triggering the ‘fight or flight’ response. While this response can be beneficial in certain situations, chronic stress can lead to various health issues. These may include mental health concerns, physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension, and an increased risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.

Determining when stress becomes a problem involves recognizing warning signs like mental health concerns, physical manifestations of stress, changes in substance use, and impaired functioning in personal and professional relationships.

Managing and reducing stress is essential for overall health. Coping strategies include being self-aware, recognizing unhealthy coping mechanisms, and seeking healthier alternatives. Anticipating stressful situations, engaging in stress relief techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness meditation, and incorporating exercise into daily routines are effective ways to cope with stress.

It’s important to acknowledge that some stressors may be out of individuals’ control, like demanding jobs or caregiving responsibilities. In such cases, it becomes crucial for individuals to focus on self-care, practicing self-awareness, engaging in stress-relieving activities, and maximizing other aspects of overall health, such as getting enough restful sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and seeking medical help when needed.