Stress of any kind is harmful to your body. Be it physical stress or mental stress. Given the continuing global pandemic, everyone has been going through a lot of stress and turmoil. Worrying about the future and what is about to happen next is a very normal human response. While that anxiety is justified, it sure is not right to blow it up to unimaginable proportions. The key is to understand the root cause and then work on the solution. What is stress? Stress is any change that results in physical, emotional, mental, or psychological strain to your body. Here’s what Dr Malik Merchant Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist from Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central has to say about the effects of stress on the physical health.
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Effects of stress
There is a deep connection between your body, mind, and soul. The impact of stress is evident physically when you are mentally worried. You could be stressed due to the pandemic or the lack of job during the pandemic or even your loved one’s health. But that surely shows up physically as a disease or disorder in you. When you are experiencing such high levels of stress, your body reacts physically. Stress also affects you emotionally where it takes a toll on your mental health. You may start feeling anxious, worried, or frustrated.
Symptoms of stress
It is an established fact that stress affects your life in all spheres including emotions, behaviour, physical health, and thinking capacity. Every individual handles stress differently and the symptoms may vary. But if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you know that you are stressed.
Emotional symptoms
- Easily angered, frustrated, irritated
- Feeling moody
- Feeling worried or overwhelmed about most situations and inability to take control
- Feeling exhausted and unable to calm your mind
- Low self-esteem, low self-confidence, feeling lonely
- Lack of self-worth, depression
- Anxiety
- Avoiding company
Physical symptoms
- Low on energy
- Excessive fatigue
- Dislike to do anything
- Headaches
- Stomach upset, diarrhoea, indigestion, constipation
- Nausea, vomiting
- Chest pain, rapid heartbeats
- Multiple aches and pains
- Tense muscles all over
- Sleeplessness
- Lack of sexual energy or desire
- Dryness of mouth
- Palpitations
- Nervousness and fidgetiness
How to cope with stress due to the pandemic?
Understanding and accepting that you are stressed is the first step to recovery. Learn about the cause of your stress and work around it. Everyone goes through stress as it is inevitable. But you can surely manage it and control it.
1) Find the cause
Find the root cause of your stress. For now, the work-from-home culture due to the pandemic seems to be a root cause of all problems. Identify the signs of burnout and try to fix them. When you begin to feel emotionally and physically exhausted, take it as a sign and find a way to manage it.
2) Self-care
Pamper yourself and take good care of yourself. You need to incorporate self-care sessions in your routine. It is essential to manage stress. Learn to take care of your mind, body, and soul to make the most of life and get rid of stress.
3) Move
Physical activity is a necessary and positive impact on your body. Moving your body releases feel-good hormones called endorphins which boost your mood and energy. Go for a walk, exercise at home, or do some yoga and meditation. This will help control your stress levels.
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If you or your loved one is struggling to deal with stress, contact your physician immediately. Seek help early and manage your stress before it burns out your body. Everyone is undergoing a lot of stress due to the pandemic. You are not alone. You have plenty of people around you to help you and care for you.
With inputs from Dr Malik Merchant Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist from Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central
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