title. I feel like you always hear stuff to the liking of “high stress leads to poor health,” but I am kind of wondering exactly why this occurs.
For instance, it’s said that stress can cause:
- Aches and pains.
- Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing.
- Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.
- Headaches, dizziness or shaking.
- High blood pressure.
- Muscle tension or jaw clenching.
- Stomach or digestive problems.
- Trouble having sex.
- Weak immune system.
Imagine, hypothetically, that I were to have a high stress life, but still had good sleep, low blood pressure, and a slow heart rate, while also staying away from unhealthy habits like drinking or addiction.
Would my health still be worse than a person who lives an equivalent, but less stressful life than me?
The short answer is yes. I’ve lived under considerable stress for the better part of two decades. I don’t know the entire effect, but it has given me slightly higher blood pressure, and my mind is deteriorating.
My entire body hurts all the time in the joints and muscles, and I get regular tension headaches. My heart flutters, and I get dizzy spells. I also have stress-induced asthma… I hope it means my life is shortened, and not that I simply have to live with lower quality of life.