Stress is not your friend, it lives in your head and negatively affects your body. Stress taunts you, like a bully. For instance: someone can stress you out at 1PM. About 30 minutes later, you're over it, you've washed your hands of it, so it's over, right? Wrong. Just because you're mentally over the situation doesn't mean your body is.

Your body remains stressed hours after you've moved on. This can lead to a multitude of health issues down the road, including a weakened immune system.

COVID-19 And Stress

With all that's going on with the COVID-19 pandemic, is it a wonder that stress levels would be so high? An increasing number of people are getting stressed out. People are struggling to deal with working at home and homeschooling.

There's about eight in 10 adults, roughly 78%, who feel that the COVID-19 pandemic is a huge contributor to stress in their lives right now. While, two in three adults or roughly 67% have admitted having suffered increased stress since the pandemic.

Does Stress Affect A Lot Of People?

Stress is one of the top reasons people see their doctors, according to research from Gallup and Everyday Health. Let's take a look at some stats:

• Americans affected by stress — 55% 
• Most stressed age group — 30-49 y/o
• Percentage of stressed 30-49 y/o — 65%
• Percentage of stressed 15-29 y/o — 64%
• Percentage of stressed people older than 50 — 44%
• Gen Z with mental health issues — 52% 
• Baby Boomers mental health issues — 41%
• Stress in the workplace In 2019— 94%

How Does Stress Affect The Body?

Stress reduces the body's lymphocytes, which reduces its chances of fighting off infection. The lower your lymphocyte level, the lower your immune system, and when your immune system is weak you're more at risk for viruses.

High stress levels have also been linked to depression and anxiety, which leads to inflammation in the body. Over time, continuous levels of high inflammation will result in an overloaded, over-tired immune system that can't properly protect you.

Did you know that about 60-90% of ailments can be directly brought on by stress? So do your best to control your stress level as stress also affects the immune system. Later, we will look at ways to prevent or get rid of stress. But first, let's take a look at some illnesses that stress can cause that will affect your immune system.

Stress can bring on serious illnesses such as:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes 

Stress can also weaken your immune system. Since we know state of mind can affect physical health, it's important to keep that in mind or your immune system can cause you to feel physical pain.

Stress can cause physical pain, including:

• Back pain
• Headaches
• Tooth grinding
• Upset stomach 
• Digestive problems 
• Insomnia 
• Exhaustion
• Skin problems
• Unhealthy weight gain or loss 
• Loss of sex drive

Stress is also linked to:

• Depression 
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Confusion
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Insecurity
• Forgetfulness 

There are also a host of other mental and behavioral symptoms. A thermography scan at CT Thermography will be able to identify any immune dysfunction in your body. 

Thermography won't involve any contact, nor will it expose the body to radiation. Thermography is also used to aid in detecting inflammation in the body, disease, cancer, and naturopathic screenings. 

Stress lowering practices

1. Have some quiet time: meditate daily, workout at home three times a week, or practice yoga.

2. You are what you eat: A good diet can help your body feel better so try to eat only home cooked meals.

3, Don't hold it in: Biting your tongue and holding on to your feelings will eventually lead to stress. Learn to express your feelings in a constructive way.

4. Create routines: A set routine can ease some of your stress by eliminating worries. For example, a routine could make working from home or homeschooling a lot more streamlined.

5. Self Love: Try to build new relationships. Share your time with friends/family. Feel normal again.

Contact CT Thermography today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting with you. In the meantime, take a look at our blog over here.