YOUR ANXIETY IS SLOWLY KILLING YOU

11/25/2022

Your heartbeat begins to pound stronger, the ambience of your skin begins to warm…you’re anxiety is pushing you into the flight or fight response. But did you know, that too much of this, can cause premature death? This is why taking control of your stress is so important.

The flight or fight response that is triggered with anxiety, causes an increase in cortisol. Cortisol is our body’s main stress hormone. When cortisol is sent through your body, it alters your immune system and suppresses your digestive system, the reproductive system, and growth processes. Like most things, cortisol is good in small amounts. When the flight or fight response is triggered too often, the increase of cortisol can cause problems such as, weight gain in your face and abdomen, high blood sugar that can lead to diabetes, stretch marks, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, weak bones, and skin that bruises easily.

The fight or flight response also causes an increase in adrenaline. Overtime, high levels of adrenaline can cause serious health problems. These problems can include; increased chance of heart attack or stroke, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and weight loss.

So please, get help with your anxiety now and stop pushing it aside. Face your anxiety now. I would recommend to start with your healing journey now with any of the following:

1. Make an appointment with a therapist or just speak with your current doctor. (Medication may be fine temporarily, but it is not recommended to take long-term.)

2. Try guided breathing or yoga. YouTube has awesome guided breathing videos and guided yoga videos)

3. Read about how to cope with anxiety. I have some book recommendations about anxiety in my “Books I recommend” tab on my home page)

4. Exercise every day. Even if it’s just a walk. Try to get at least 20 minutes in. You got this.

5. Eat a healthy diet. Limit meat and dairy intake. I am going to discuss this in another blog so stay tuned.

6. Decrease caffeine and alcohol intake. Try drinking decaf coffee in the morning. The smell and taste of the coffee can trigger the placebo affect and may actually still trigger your brain cells to make you more awake.

7. Start journaling. Get it out. Write everything your angry about and tell your story. Then burn it if you want. Write down your dreams; manifest them. Journal the things that you love about yourself and the things in life that you are grateful for. There is true power in putting your thoughts down on paper.

Some of these ideas may seem daunting, but please try one or a few for yourself! I promise, you won’t regret it. You got this. <3

And remember, good things take time.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/can-stress-kill-you#myth-busting