“Stop stressing. Just relax.”Tired of hearing that? It’s easier said than done, right? To give our minds a break from the day-to-day anxieties would mean to put those things aside and not think about them. Is that even possible? We live in a world where stressors are as commonplace as trees, so knowing how stress affects your health is greatly important. Knowing is half the battle, fighting is the other half which is always the hardest.Here’s how stress affects your health:

#1: Stress Affects Your Body

Believe it or not, stress can get so bad it feels like you’re having a heart attack. Many people with high stress and anxiety disorders experience chest pain, headaches, sleep disorders, and tension in the muscles. The Mayo Clinic even states that “Stress that’s left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.” When stress affects sleep especially, the stress only gets worse without a proper night’s rest. Solution: Breathing exercises can do wonders on for the anxious mind. Eating right always does wonders, keeping you from eating things that can make symptoms worse. Coffee and other caffeinated drinks cause further anxiety.

#2: Stress Affects Your Behavior

Consistent stress has impact on the brain and there’s only so much the brain can take. After a while, stress and anxiety can have detrimental results on our very behavior. This means finding aid in things that suppress the stress, such as alcohol, smoking, and other bad habits. The problem is that these habits lead to worsening symptoms and even worse health issues.Solution: Curbing bad habits is difficult, but picking up healthy ones can make a huge difference. Exercise is a great habit to create and it’s a perfect solution for managing stress. Exercise and working out allows you to use that energy up in a different way.

#3: Stress Affects Your Emotions

Without a reprieve, stress and anxiety can lead to even worsened anxiety, depression and anger. Irritation is common amongst people with a lot of stress when they can’t relax. If you’re one of those people, know you’re not alone.Solution: Make time for yourself and for your favorite activities and hobbies. Read a book. Watch your favorite movie. Play a game. Play an instrument. These are all things that can get our minds on something else. Stress affects us in so many ways, some of them dangerous. Knowing how stress affects your health is greatly important, so don’t let it take over. Take time for yourself. If you’re having trouble with stress related sleep loss, call us at 770-740-1860 for a same-day appointment. For more information on sleep studies and treatment, fill out the form at the top of the page.