Long-term stress can do a number on the body. While some stress is normal, the moment it becomes unmanageable and makes your life harder to live, it’s time to start making changes.
We all react to stress differently, and some of us can have a few unusual things occur as a result of chronic pressure. Here are three of the most unusual effects long-term stress can have on the body (and what to do about it):
Unhealthy Weight Gain
When you feel stressed out, do you start to crave something sweet to eat? Or maybe something loaded with carbs to (hopefully) lift your energy levels? (Sounds familiar, right?)
Stress often messes with our hormones, causing us to have cravings for certain foods/types of foods. This can cause a level of unhealthy weight gain in the short-term. Chronic stress has us feeling like this on a daily basis, and if you’re reaching out for sugary, fatty foods as a result, there’s a chance you’ll notice a few extra pounds on the scale.
Don’t beat yourself up about this—it’ll only add to the stress response you’re already dealing with! Noticing your habits is the first step in changing your instinctive reaction and reaching out for healthier options.
Remember: it’s OK to have a treat when you need one, but if you want to beat the stress, focus a little attention on your diet, too.
Tinnitus
Doctors aren’t quite sure about the connection between stress and a continuous ringing sound in the ears, but we do know that they often occur in conjunction. So, if you’ve been stressed out for a while and notice a ringing, whooshing, or buzzing sound on a daily basis, know that it’s not uncommon.
There are ways to stop this, though, such as using a hearing aid and eliminating the source of your stress. Hearing aids are the most common solution (for all ages!), thanks to their sound focusing effect. And now, hearing aid prices are more affordable and accessible than ever. You can even invest in types that are hard to see when fitted in the ear, making them a customizable solution.
Face Aches
The most common image that comes to mind when we think of stress tends to be someone rubbing their head. It’s not an unusual thing, as headaches tend to be the first sign that you’re under some pressure. However, it’s not just your head that can suffer from stress! Your whole face could be at risk as well.
Headaches can move down the relating muscles, meaning your temples, cheeks, jaw, and chin could start aching as well. If you find that you tend to clench your teeth in response to stress, this type of pain radiation is even more likely.
To combat this, try to focus on awareness. When you feel yourself clenching, grinding, or tensing, try to take deep breaths and refocus instead.
Long-term stress can be hard to deal with, and the symptoms of it are even harder. Keep an eye out and try to be patient with yourself every step of the way.
Featured Image Credit: Fikri Mz