We’ve already covered the symptoms of stress in the body. But why should we be concerned if we have any these symptoms? Can’t we just pop a pill and have them go away?
Let’s take an analogy of our body being like a tire on our car. We all know that eventually our tires wear out and they have to be replaced. By why is that? The fact is that the friction between the road and the tire cause the tire to eventually wear away until there is not enough rubber left for the tire to be effective. We count on the friction to help us accelerate, to turn without sliding off the road, even to stop us. Much like life, friction (also known as stress) can be a good thing when it’s in moderation and it helps us to become better.
However, too much friction for the tire (like too much stress) can be bad. If you should start your car very quickly so that your tires spin, you’ll wear away the rubber very quickly. Stopping quickly or turning a corner quickly can make your tires squeal, which is in essence wearing away the tire. Just like life, if you live with a great deal of stress (friction) by partying in excess, not getting enough sleep, not getting exercise, you’ll wear out as well.
Now with tires you can have them retread, where new rubber is added to the old rubber, and keep using them. But they’re not as good (or as safe) as brand new tires. You can do the same with your body, using pills to “cover over” the physical symptoms of stress. But you’re not as good as you are without the stress. You’re just masking what’s really happening and delaying the inevitable.
What’s the inevitable? Aging. Prematurely. Studies conclude that chronic stress directly affects how your cells age. The delicate DNA that makes up every one of our cells can be caused to age faster by stress. This DNA aging can then be a risk factor for diseases later in life.
So not only does stress cause immediate problems for the body (see the list of symptoms we’ve covered earlier) but it can make us grow old and sick when we get to a time in our lives when the stresses of life are less. Pay now and pay later.
So let’s take a look at how stress affects our mind.
Next Step:
Effects of Stress on Your Mind
With chronic stress, your thinking processes can be affected.
Previous Step:
The effects of stress to our society are staggering.
Other Steps in this Section:
Effects of Stress on Your Emotions
Chronic stress is linked to both depression and anxiety.
Effects of Stress on Your Health
If you live with a great deal of stress, the long term effect on your body could be disastrous.
