Stress is a very common issue in today's world. Everyone living in this world is under some stressful circumstances and is going through a lot of mental pressure. Stress comes from many different reasons. They can be due to work or career pressure, family or relationship issues and many more. Stress is a psychological, emotional, and physical state that we suffer or face in the times of extreme tension, worry, or strain. Stress is now not a rare condition or observed in a few people, but it is now observed often in many people around us.
Stress is before considered only to be a mental state but stress can affect both our mental as well as physical health as well. Stress is of two types positive stress and negative stress. Stress generally has some negative consequences but sometimes stress may have some positive result, in that case it is called as a condition of Positive stress. Positive stress helps us to stay focused and concentrated and avoid procrastinating.
It helps in the growth of an individual in every field of their life. But contrary to that, negative stress deteriorates one's health both mentally and physically. It brings irritation, anxiety, emotional breakdown, and other diseases and issues. Stress is something that can take a toll on both your personal and professional life. When the stress is just a phase it passes, but when it becomes chronic it is very harmful. We should try to not get there and fix our stress issues.
Harmful Effects Of Stress-
When the stress is chronic it is very unhealthy. It comes with a lot of harmful issues that can have negative effects on our body. Persistent stress is very injurious to our personal and professional life. They can result in deterioration of a person and can make their condition worsen. Stress shows both physical and psychological symptoms when it is chronic or persistent and harms the body. Some of the negative effects are-
- Long term stress causes muscle tension and muscle spasms and pains are also experienced in different parts of the body and feel an atypical heaviness in their heart.
- Weakens the Immunity system and their ability to fight against disease.
- People having stress do not find any interest in doing things they used to love. Their energy is comparatively low.
- Breathing issues are observed and shortage of breath and problems during breathing are also quite common.
- Sleep is affected. Their sleep cycle is disturbed. They have trouble sleeping due to exhaustion and frustration.
- Chronic stress is also associated with digestive problems like Stomach problems, loss in appetite.
- Chronic stress also leads to high blood pressure that can be very harmful to the body.
- It crushes your self confidence and affects your mind and you start to feel like a failure.
- Stress makes everything have a negative impression and inculcates a negative attitude towards life.
- Harms your personal and professional life and acts as a barrier for a better life.
- Makes you distant yourself from your loved ones.
Managing Stress By Food-
There are many ways of managing stress like meditation or exercise or talking to your loved ones. They all need a lot of practice for a person who is not ready to admit their stress openly. But one way among so many ways to manage stress is by eating food. Having a healthy and balanced diet is an effective and essential way of improving your health. Food is something that everyone loves to eat. Food acts as a fuel for our body. We love to eat our favourite delicacies and isn't it amazing that food can help us manage the stress that comes in our lives. There are many different types of foods that help us to do so. Some of them are-
- Tea- Teas like matcha powder and chamomile tea are very good for reducing stress.
- Sweet potatoes- Sweet potatoes may help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
- Artichokes- It is a very concentrated source of prebiotics and is essential for reducing stress.
- Eggs- They are packed with vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy stress response.
- Shellfish- Shellfish are a rich source of vitamin B12, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium which may help to boost mood.
- Garlic- Garlic is high in sulfur compounds that help increase levels of glutathione which helps to reduce stress.
- Chickpeas- Chickpeas are packed with stress-fighting vitamins and minerals which are needed to reduce stress.
- Broccoli- It is a very healthy vegetable and it is very essential to reduce stress.
- Sunflower seeds- They are a rich source of vitamin E that is very good for mental health.
- Parsley- They are rich in antioxidants that helps to keep our mental health stable.
- Blueberries- They are helpful in many health issues and also improves mood.
Balanced and healthy diet is very important for the well-being of your mental and physical health. It can also help you calm down your mind and fight stress.
