Chronic stress can also damage your brain. In 2014, researchers at the University of California-Berkeley determined that long term changes in brain function are triggered by chronic stress. These findings might help explain why people exposed to chronic stress when they’re young are more susceptible to mental health issues like anxiety and mood disorders later in life.
Why is chronic stress so bad for us? The body’s stress response evolved to protect against predators. A perceived attack causes the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol as we prepare to defend ourselves, hearts pumping. Usually this fight-or-flight response regulates itself, and our hormone levels and blood pressure return to normal once the threat has passed. But what when the “threat” is actually the constant worry over making ends meet or toiling under a heavy workload, our stress response system is forced to stay on all the time. This overuse causes other body systems to deregulate and, eventually, break down.
Now that you know how harmful chronic stress can be, what can you do to prevent it? You might not be able to avoid the things in your life that cause you stress, but you can control how you react to them. You have the power to reduce your stress levels by making positive lifestyle choices. Basic things like eating well and getting enough rest can have a big impact. Make some non-instant oatmeal for breakfast instead of your usual sugary cereal. Power down your laptop and go to bed at a decent hour every night. As a physician who also competes in triathlons, I’m a huge believer in the power of exercise to relieve stress. (And I’m not the only one—check out my post here to learn about some of the latest research on this topic.) Relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation have also been scientifically proven to lower stress levels. Even giving yourself permission to spend time doing something you love, whether it’s reading comic books or watching stand-up, can help you blow off steam. Whatever relaxation method you choose, the important thing is to make a plan and stick to it. Take charge of your stress so you can stop worrying and focus on achieving your goals.
Myles Spar, MD, MPH is board certified in Internal Medicine and in Integrative Medicine. As a clinician, teacher and researcher on faculty of the top Integrative Medical Center in the U.S., he has led the charge for a more proactive, holistic and personalized approach to care that focuses on cutting edge technology and preventative care. Dr. Spar has been a consultant with the NBA, presented a TEDx Talk, appeared on national television, and been featured in publications such as the Men’s Journal and the Los Angeles Times. He is National Director and V.P. of Medical Services for AndHealth, a digital health company utilizing lifestyle medicine approaches to reverse chronic illness. He is available on a limited basis to consult with individual patients interested in a personalized approach to optimal performance and health.
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