Stress can have detrimental effects on our health in a variety of ways. It can have an impact on not only our mental health, but our physical health as well.
Stress in small doses can actually be a good thing, and in certain circumstances it might even save your life. However, it is chronic stress that is the health killer. Stress from daily life is extremely common, and unfortunately it is also potentially damaging to your body and mind.
What causes stress?
Stress is generally caused by external factors sometimes referred to as stress triggers, or stressors.
Stressors are different for everyone, but there are certainly some common elements of daily life that cause stress and anxiety for a lot of people.
Some examples of common stressors are:
- Unsatisfactory work situation
- Toxic relationships
- Death of a loved one
- Illness or injury
- A traumatic event
These are just a few examples of frequent stressors, but stress can be caused by anything unpleasant or unnerving.
What are the effects of stress?
Again, stress affects different people in different ways. The nature of the effect stress has on your system may be directly linked to the cause, but that can vary as well.
Chronic stress can affect your physiology, mental state, and your behavior.
Physical Effects
Stress that is brought on by an outside, environmental influence can manifest itself in a physiological reaction. For example, stress can:
- Trigger headaches
- Increase heart rate
- Increase blood pressure
- Increase muscle tension
- Increase infertility
Mental Effects
Chronic stress can lead to a number of negative mental effects, mood swings, and even neurological disorders.
Some of the cognitive effects stress can cause are:
- Depression
- Listlessness
- Anger
- Restlessness
Behavioral Effects
Unsurprising, since stress affects the body and mind, it can also have an impact on behavior. In some cases, behavioral changes can be conscious attempts to combat stress, and in other cases behavioral changes can appear as side effects of stress.
Some behavioral changes chronic stress might invoke are:
- Sleep issues
- Social isolation
- Short temper
- Unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol, drugs, smoking, over eating (especially junk food)
- Exhaustion
Fatigue and Burnout
As you can see, stress can have a serious impact on many aspects of our lives. Untreated chronic stress can result in various ailments and concerning health conditions.
A significant long-term effect of stress to consider is fatigue, and eventually burnout. Trying to combat the mental and physical effects of stress without the necessary knowledge or tools can make things worse, and end in complete exhaustion or worse.
Massage Therapy to Reduce Stress, Fatigue, and Burnout
One highly recommended way to reduce stress, and to avoid fatigue and burnout is through massage therapy.
Massage is an excellent way for your body and mind to relax. Relieving tension in tight muscles and joints helps shift your focus away from daily worries, setting your mind at peace.
Massage therapy helps lower your heart rate and blood pressure, while at the same time sparking the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killer.
Some of the fundamental benefits of massage therapy are:
- Improved overall health
- Enhanced mood and mental state
- Raised energy levels
- Increased circulation and blood flow
- Reduction of muscle and joint pain
- Increased mental acuity
- Prevention of fatigue and burnout
Massage therapy provided by a Registered Massage Therapist can be relaxing, stress relieving, calming and incredibly therapeutic. Massage can be beneficial on it’s own or in conjunction with any other healthcare provider. It should be part of everyone’s healthcare regimen to maintain optimal health.
