The Age of Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can weaken our immune systems. In our fast-paced world, stress has permeated various aspects of our lives. Stress can be defined as a state of mental and emotional strain caused by challenging events.
- Coping with stress is key to minimizing its impact on the immune system’s efficiency.
- Stress weakens the immune system by reducing its ability to defend against infections.
- Chronic stress can lead to a suppressed immune response and increased vulnerability to infections.
- Unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating, smoking, or excessive drinking can indirectly affect the immune system.
- Effective stress-coping skills are essential for a healthy immune system.
Steps to reduce stress and anxiety:
- Start the day with a nutritious breakfast rich in calming minerals.
- Maintain a healthy diet and avoid excessive caffeine, sugars, and fats.
- Ensure an adequate amount of sleep to prevent heightened cortisol levels and immune system suppression.
- Socialize regularly and seek support from family and friends when needed.
A little stress can be beneficial for staying alert, while chronic stress can lead to health issues. Stress plays a role in diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and digestive problems.
Poor mental health among employees costs UK employers £42bn – £45bn each year. This is made up of absence costs of around £7bn, presenteeism costs ranging from about £27bn to £29bn and turnover costs of around £9bn. (Deloitte (2020) Mental Health and Employers.)
Seek assistance if stress becomes overwhelming to protect your health.
Remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s talking to a friend, reaching out to a mental health professional, or practising self-care techniques, seeking assistance can make a big difference in managing stress and maintaining your well-being.
Don’t hesitate to prioritize your health and reach out for support when stress becomes overwhelming. You deserve to feel your best and there are resources available to help you navigate challenging times.
This blog was inspired by a guest blog post by Dawn Swinley several years ago. Dawn now works as a consultant for Bionetics.
Copyright Louise Jenner, 2024.
