Top Causes of Modern Stress

 

Our bodies are hard-wired to experience stress. On an evolutionary level, stress is intended to be a life-saving response. Unfortunately, our natural stress response is not well-suited to the chronic, everyday stress that many of us face. 

Top Causes of Modern Stress

Rather than facing life-threatening stress in short bursts, we experience low to moderate levels of stress for long periods of time. This stress increases the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in your body, and these levels stay elevated as long as you continue to experience stress. 

Your body is equipped to handle strong, short bursts of cortisol. However, heightened levels of the stress hormone can actually do harm, especially to your cardiovascular system.

Recognizing the Effects of Stress

If your cardiologist in Los Angeles has expressed concern in regard to the effects of stress on your body, then identifying the most likely causes of modern stress may be able to help you make a move in a more positive direction. These are some of the most common contenders. 

Pressure At Work

Being under pressure at work is one of the most common causes of chronic stress. It isn’t always possible to alleviate that pressure, but you can combat stress through improved lifestyle choices and a solid set of coping mechanisms.

Financial Strain

Financial strain hits everyone at one time or another. While the cause of that strain varies from person to person, the effects of stress are ultimately comparable. If you are struggling financially, then it is important to take time to de-stress whenever possible. 

Relationship Stress

The people we care for have the ability to make us feel intense emotions. Oftentimes these emotions are positive, and they can even help us deal with other forms of stress. With that said, there are times when our relationships cause us pain. In these cases, therapy and healthy communication are key. 

Moving

Moving to a new city or state can be an incredibly stressful experience. If you’ve moved away from family and friends, then it can be even more unsettling. The stress of a new move can take time to dissipate, but getting involved in your new community can help. 

New Additions to the Family

If you have recently added a child or pet, then you can expect heightened stress levels. We all have our own routines, and those are quickly disrupted by the addition of a new family member. Fortunately, a little time and some additional help can make a big difference. 

Lack of Coping Mechanisms

As you already realize, sometimes chronic stress is unavoidable. When you are struggling to make ends meet or are in an unpredictable situation, you cannot just make the stress go away. What you can do is find ways to reduce stress through healthy coping mechanisms. 

Poor Lifestyle Habits

It can be difficult to make healthy choices when you’re already under stress. Unfortunately, poor diet, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle will only add to your existing stress. Without the tools your body and mind need to succeed, your chronic stress will likely become more aggravated.

Dealing with the Health Effects of Chronic Stress

If you have been dealing with chronic stress for an extended period of time, then it is possible that your cardiovascular system could be strained. In order to protect your health, it is important to meet with your cardiologist for regular evaluations, especially if you have additional risk factors. 

In addition to a general physical, your doctor may suggest a nuclear stress test in Los Angeles. This test will allow your cardiologist to visually examine your cardiovascular system to check for potential issues throughout your cardiovascular system.