You have probably heard or read reports and warnings about America's chronic stress epidemic. Between the emotional and financial stresses from the COVID-19 pandemic and pre-existing tensions and burdens, at least 75 percent of doctor visits involve stress-related issues and ailments.
If you struggle with the telltale signs of chronic stress, you should understand as much as you can about this problem, from its potential causes and debilitating symptoms to the range of possible remedies at your command. Check out the following four points about chronic stress issues and answers.
1. Chronic Stress Can Develop for Many Reasons
Both acute stress and chronic stress trigger the body's fight-or-flight response. When the brain perceives a threatening situation, it orders the body to produce stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones raise your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar while suppressing other functions such as digestion.
Unlike acute stress, which resolves itself once the threat disappears, chronic stress subjects your body and mind to a continuous fight-or-flight response. This problem may develop due to unresolved past traumas, long-term financial or relationship problems, underlying chronic health conditions, or even a genetic predisposition.
2. Chronic Stress Can Impair Your Health
Over time, the abnormal physical processes from chronic stress can pose significant health problems. For instance, the extra burden on your cardiovascular system may raise your risks for heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. Headaches, digestive issues, insomnia, and musculoskeletal pain can also develop.
Chronic stress affects the mind as well as the body. The constant onslaught of stress can cause or worsen emotional problems such as anxiety or clinical depression. You may also find it harder to remember important things or think clearly, which, in turn, may stress you out even more as you struggle to cope with everyday tasks.
3. Natural Remedies Can Help Combat Chronic Stress
Some cases of chronic stress may require medical evaluation and treatment to manage issues such as serious depression, anxiety, or other health complications. However, you may find that you do not need drugs to manage your chronic stress. A variety of non-pharmaceutical strategies can also reduce stress symptoms.
Lifestyle changes may help you combat chronic stress. For instance, you may benefit from giving up caffeine, exercising more, or practicing yoga and meditation to clear your mind. Anything you can do to support your physical health can help your body withstand the effects of chronic stress and function more normally.
Adaptogens may support proper adrenal gland function in the face of chronic stress. Common adaptogens include substances such as ashwagandha and ginseng. You can also benefit from aromatherapy oils, soothing bath products, and teas that feature chamomile, valerian, and other herbs.
4. CBD Products Could Prove Useful for Your Stress-Reduction Routine
Give serious thought to adding cannabidiol (CBD) products to your shopping list of natural stress fighters. CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. These receptors govern a wide range of physical functions and emotional reactions, including the fight-or-flight response.
Animal studies indicate that CBD can help reduce emotional panic responses while also lowering blood pressure and heart rate during stressful situations. You may find that CBD helps you remain more calm and relaxed as you work on removing chronic stress triggers from your life and improving your overall wellness.
Do not let your search for non-pharmaceutical stress relief stress you out further. New Leaf Organic Wellness can help you discover drug-free ways to help you manage your chronic stress so you can live a healthier, happier life. Browse our online catalog of CBD products and other healthy stress-busting, wellness-supporting options.