Managing your stress levels is always important, but the current health crisis has made it even more critical. High degrees of anxiety can wreak havoc on your mind and body.

Understanding more about the causes and effects of stress can help you make wise lifestyle choices. Read on to learn more about why it's essential to handle your anxiety during this time.

How Your Body Responds to Stress

Tension can be terrible for your body, according to those at Activa Clinics. When you're under pressure for extended periods, a hormone called cortisol builds up inside you. 

High levels of this substance in your blood can:

  • Undermine your overall health

  • Interfere with your memory

  • Make it harder to learn

  • Weaken your immune system

  • Increase weight gain

  • Raise blood pressure

  • Lead to high cholesterol

  • Result in heart disease

Coronavirus Has Increased People's Stress Levels

The pandemic has increased anxiety for almost everyone. Many are worried about:

  • Contracting the virus

  • Family members getting sick

  • Isolation and quarantine measures

  • Separation from friends and extended family

  • Long-term impacts of global disruptions

  • Financial insecurity

  • Family relationship strain

  • Being in large groups of people when social distancing ends

  • Reliability of data regarding the virus

The fact that things are continually changing also causes stress. Psychologists explain that even positive life changes can leave us anxious. So, if you're working at the office as usual for one week, then working from home the next, you may feel uneasy just because your routine is different.

Repeated shifts in restrictions also cause anxiety. In many places, the rules keep changing regarding:

  • Who needs to stay a home

  • Whether masks are mandatory or not

  • What establishments can be open

  • Social distancing requirements

Our bodies react to these changes with a stress response. The constant adjustments take a toll on our well-being.

Specific Ailments Worsened by Stress

Earlier, we saw that cortisol has several adverse effects on the body. The following are some specific health problems that intensify with increased stress levels.

  • Asthma - Studies have repeatedly shown that nervousness worsens asthma. Children whose parents are chronically anxious are at higher risk for this breathing disorder.

  • Diabetes - Stressful situations increase the tendency toward excessive drinking and unhealthy eating, which worsen diabetes. Anxiety may also directly increase glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

  • Heart disease - Nervousness increases your heart rate and blood flow. It also triggers the release of triglycerides into your bloodstream. Besides, stress can increase the likelihood of obesity or smoking, which are risk factors for heart disease.

  • Headaches - Tension headaches and migraines occur more frequently when a person is anxious or nervous.

  • Obesity - High cortisol levels seem to increase the amount of fat stored in the abdominal area.

  • Gastrointestinal problems - Stress can worsen ulcers. It's also associated with chronic heartburn, reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Stress Management Tips

If you have one of the above conditions, managing your stress may significantly improve your symptoms. Here are some practical tips that can preserve your health:

  • Take breaks.

  • Don't skip meals.

  • Exercise regularly.

  • Make time for hobbies.

  • Relax your muscles through stretching or massage.

  • Talk about your problems.

  • Practice deep breathing.

  • Eat healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

  • Build extra time into your schedule to avoid rushing.

  • Be patient with yourself.

The Bottom Line

Even before the coronavirus made its appearance, stress was a widespread problem. Now, much of the world's population is experiencing significant lifestyle changes due to the pandemic. The resulting pressure can contribute to various health problems.

You can manage your stress well by taking good care of your body and trying to live at a slower pace. Understanding the changes in your body and mind can help you make the best choices and maintain your well-being.