Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s How Stress Is Affecting Your Body

If you’re here, chances are that you can relate to feeling overwhelmed and the toll stress has taken on your overall well-being.

With the busy holiday season coming up, it isn’t uncommon to find ourselves in an overwhelmed state, constantly searching for ways to manage our stress levels. We may find ourselves turning to various ways to cope, some giving us instant gratification, but then actually leading us towards a downward spiral.

If we pay attention to our bodies, we’ll find that stress actually manifests itself in different ways. When we feel stressed, we feel it in the form of a tightening of the chest, an increased heart rate, headache, heartburn, upset stomach, and so on.

Think of it this way. When our bodies perceive a threat, an alarm in our brains sets off, releasing adrenaline and the stress hormone, cortisol. Many of us can probably relate to the feeling of an “adrenaline rush,” when we experience an elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Simultaneously, our bodies experience heightened cortisol levels, which increases our blood sugar and impacts our immune, digestive, and reproductive systems. Overproduction of cortisol tricks the body into constantly thinking that it’s hungry, stimulating a particular craving for sweets, as well as fatty and salty foods.

Our bodies usually return to their usual state in the event of short-term stress. However, studies reveal that there is a correlation between chronic stress and the risk of high blood pressure. The persistence of cortisol and other stress-related hormones in the body can lead to unhealthy lifestyle habits that you might already be aware of, such as binge eating, sleep problems, high blood pressure, and digestive issues.

But, did you know that weight gain and high blood pressure can lead to even more serious issues such as?varicose veins?

When our blood pressure rises, our veins experience increased pressure and their valves begin to weaken. Similarly, excess weight or an inactive lifestyle can also put pressure on the veins. As a result, the body is unable to properly circulate blood, and this may lead to blood pooling, one of the major causes of varicose veins.

So now, what changes can we make to alleviate stress?

Often, we get put off by the unrealistic standards we set for ourselves and consequently, we may turn to extreme diets or intense workout programs. But the truth is, we simply can’t go from 0 to 100 real quick. The key here is to start small and slowly introduce our bodies to the healthy habits we’re trying to adapt. Here’s a good way to start:

Introduce yourself to?healthier food options.

Start off by incorporating certain foods into your diet. These include fresh fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins and nutrients, as well as low-fat foods such as whole grains and lean meat.

Find ways to?move your body.

Incorporate some movement into your day, even if it means taking a quick stroll around the block in the middle of a busy day. If you have more time, try finding an exercise routine that you can look forward to and genuinely enjoy. Some exercises that are great for vein health include walking, cycling, yoga, swimming, and lunges. When you move your body, you’ll not only notice the physical benefits but the impact on your mental and emotional health, too.

Limit your alcohol consumption.

While a glass of wine may seem harmless, excessive alcohol consumption can cause veins to constrict, increasing blood pressure and hindering blood flow. Additionally, heavy drinking can lead to higher levels of cortisol, making you consume more in order to attain the same effects from its reward and pleasure systems. Keep yourself in check by setting a limit and create habits such as drinking water prior, taking small sips of your alcoholic drink, going for non-alcoholic beverages, or having a meal with your drink.

Quit smoking.

Studies reveal an improved quality of life both in the short-term and long-term periods when it comes to quitting smoking. Smoking can lead to?blood clotting, constricted blood circulation, and serious health issues such as cancer, heart and lung diseases, and dental issues.

Similar to alcohol, smoking can be a manifestation of underlying problems which include stress and anxiety, among others. If this is something you struggle with, it’s best to consult a professional to help you identify your triggers and create strategies that will work for you.

Get yourself checked by a medical professional.

It’s important to keep our health in check by ensuring that we schedule all our necessary health appointments. At the same time, when we pay closer attention to our physical, mental, and emotional health, we may notice some signs and symptoms that might not feel right.

With chronic stress affecting blood pressure and blood circulation, it isn’t uncommon to develop?varicose vein symptoms?such as aching or throbbing legs, itchy skin, skin discolouration, or heaviness around the legs.

If this is something you’re currently experiencing, we’re happy to help. At?The Vein Institute,?we specialise in non-surgical treatment options requiring little to no downtime, made possible by the latest technologies. To determine your next steps, head over?here?to book your consultation, or give us a call at 13 VEINS (13 83467).