Effects of Stress Overload Long Term Effects of Stress

Stress Hormone - Cortisol High levels of cortisol associated with chronic stress… ……. 1. impairs cognitive function 2. deceases thyroid function 3. increases blood glucose levels 4. decreases bone density 5. sleep disruption 6. decrease muscle mass 7. slow wound healing 8. decrease immune system

Health Problems caused or exacerbated by stress Pain of any kind Heart disease Cancers Digestive problems Sleep problems Depression/suicide Weight problems Auto immune diseases Skin conditions – rashes, hives, eczema

Cognitive Symptoms Memory problems Inability to concentrate Poor judgement Seeing only the negative Anxious or racing thoughts Constant worrying

Emotional Symptoms Moodiness Irritable/short temper\ Agitated, inability to relax Feeling overwhelmed Sense of loneness and isolation Depression and general unhappiness

Physical Symptoms Aches/pains Diarrhea or constipation Nausea Dizziness Chest pain, rapid heart rate Tremors Frequent colds

Behavioral Symptoms Eating more or less Sleeping too much or too little Isolating yourself from others Procrastination or neglecting responsibilities Use of alcohol, cigarettes, drugs to relax Nervous habits – biting nails, pacing, shaking legs

Factors that influence your stress tolerance Your support network – strong support system decreases stress Your exercise level – endorphins lift mood and reduce anxiety Your diet – profound effect on mood (reduce processed and refined sugars) Your sense of control – persevere through challenges or feel lack of control Your attitude/outlook – optimist people embrace the challenge and are hardy Your ability to deal with your emotions – can you bring emotions into balance, bounce back from adversity Your knowledge and Preparation – more you know about a situation ( how long it will last, what to expect) better to cope

Addictions of Life – stress overload causes us to look for a quick fix Alcohol Smoking Drugs Shopping Exercise Sex Food Gambling

How to Manage Stress Engage Socially Get moving Set aside time to relax Sleep Eat healthy diet