Stress is an unavoidable fact of life. But can stress make folks sick? Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, IBS, depression, and anxiety.
We should all be concerned that stress can have serious health consequences. For mothers, spouses, caregivers, or anyone in demanding emotional roles like looking after an elderly parent, the burden can quietly accumulate and manifest physically and mentally over time.
There is a productive side to stress, when it prompts problem-solving or reflection. But the tipping point is when it becomes unrelenting—rumination without resolution, which is when it starts to erode health.
While reflecting on changes in our family members’ demeanor, and connecting them to possible stress overload. Sometimes, just putting down the smartphone as this married couple did at dinner is a tiny act of self-preservation in a high-stress life.
I am not a mother. But one of them is one, and she has a ninety-plus mom to look after, so being a mom and being responsible for a nonagenarian can be stressful. I went out to dinner with my brother and sister in law, and they went from the first image to the second after they put their smartphones away.
Mulling over a stressful situation can help find a solution to a problem. We may spend time worrying about a conflict with children or siblings, only to find that this time to see the issue from another perspective. But if you notice that stress is a constant companion, it can impact your health.
Stress can contribute to the following emotional and behavioral symptoms:
- Anxiety.
- Irritability.
- Depression.
- Panic attacks.
- Sadness.
- Not being able to concentrate.
- Trouble getting your work done.
- Overeating.
- Substance abuse problems.
- Exhaustion.
- Increased heart rate.
- High blood pressure.
- Chest pain.
- Rapid breathing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Digestive issues, like an upset stomach.
- Muscle tension.
- Aches and pains.
-
Weakened immune system.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/jim-gaffigan-on-how-best-to-celebrate-dad…
Dealing with stress before it becomes dangerous
- Eat healthy. Focus on a balanced diet. Also, limit your caffeine and sugar intake, which can cause insomnia.
- Exercise each day. Do some form of exercise each day, whether strength training, aerobic exercise, or even walking your dog.
- Focus on sleep. Set up a bedtime routine, taking a long, hot bath or having a cup of tea.
- Stop using tobacco and nicotine products. Quit smoking, which can worsen chronic pain.
- Meditate and breathe deeply. Repeat a calming mantra or visualize a serene setting.
- Reduce stress triggers. Practice time-management skills, set health boundaries, and make time for ourselves a priority.
- Stay in contact with people who support you. Get support from your spouse, parents, siblings, and friends.
- Take part in fun activities with family and friends. Smile, laugh, and be as emotionally present as you can.
- Be grateful. Focus on areas of life for which you are appreciative. Pay attention to what makes you feel grateful.
- Talk to your doctor and, if necessary, seek professional mental health treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor, especially if you’re coping with depression or anxiety.
-
Seek calming, creative activities. Try painting or drawing, gardening, cooking, journaling, or listening to music. And taking a break from our phones, social media, and SMILE ;-)
These two images were captured minutes apart when I asked them to take a photo, they put their cellphones down.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/a-foster-mothers-limitless-love/