Confronting Chronic Stress: My Journey to Better Health
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Chapter 1: Understanding My Health Crisis
Recently, I found myself feeling as if I was on the brink of a heart attack or stroke. The other day, I stopped by Walmart and decided to check my blood pressure, only to discover it was at 149/89, indicating Stage 2 Hypertension. This classification means that I am considered to have a disability, and under normal circumstances, I shouldn't even be driving, especially since I drive for Uber and DoorDash. At this moment, I realize that I pose a risk to myself and others.
My weight is a significant contributor to this situation—I am nearly 75 pounds over my ideal weight. Additionally, I consume one Red Bull daily and my dietary habits leave much to be desired. Exercise is nowhere on my agenda.
Chronic stress affects many, but it manifests differently than acute stress, which is a sharp reaction to specific events. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is a prolonged sense of pressure and overwhelm. For those interested in my backstory, I invite you to explore my previous writings on Medium, where I detail my experiences with stress.
Section 1.1: The Root Causes of Chronic Stress
I’ve learned that chronic stress can stem from various factors, including financial instability (check), a troubled marriage or family dynamics (check), and job dissatisfaction (check). In my case, my unsatisfactory job contributes to my financial woes, straining my marriage—especially since my husband lost his stable job during the pandemic—and negatively impacting my family life, as well as my mental and physical health.
Subsection 1.1.1: Symptoms of Chronic Stress
Experts suggest that experiencing 3-5 of the following symptoms for an extended period may indicate chronic stress. I find myself grappling with nearly all of them, save for one:
- Aches and pains (check)
- Sleep disturbances (check)
- Changes in social habits, such as increased isolation (check)
- Low energy levels (check)
- Difficulty concentrating (check)
- Altered appetite (check)
- Increased thoughts about substance use (check)
Lately, I've noticed changes in my emotional responses to others. Recently, I lost my temper with a fellow writer, Yana G. Y., and I want to publicly apologize. This emotional volatility is a symptom of my chronic stress, and while it's not an excuse, it serves as an explanation for my actions. Emotional withdrawal is yet another symptom I experience (check).
Continuous stress can significantly impact health, relationships, and productivity. Indeed, my health has declined, and my relationship with my husband has suffered as well. He often describes me as a "bitch," and I acknowledge that I have been difficult to deal with. My productivity has also taken a hit.
Section 1.2: The Impact of Chronic Stress
Many people experiencing chronic stress often describe feeling trapped. I have written extensively about this sensation in various articles on Medium, and I encourage you to revisit them.
Chapter 2: Taking Control of My Health
So, what am I doing to turn things around? I’m implementing several stress management strategies:
- Regular Exercise: I plan to take daily 30-minute walks and incorporate kettlebell workouts.
- Improved Nutrition: I've started cutting out unhealthy snacks and replaced them with healthier options like fish, chicken, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
- Time Management Skills: I’m focusing on setting realistic goals instead of being overly critical of myself.
- Prioritizing Sleep: I'm aiming for at least eight hours of sleep at night and incorporating a daily nap.
- Engaging in Leisure Activities: I've embraced self-care by allowing time for relaxation, including binge-watching a medical drama series on Netflix called "The Resident."
Practicing mindfulness and building stress reduction skills is also part of my plan. I recognize the problem, and I am actively working on addressing it. I’ll keep you posted on my progress, so if you're navigating similar challenges, feel free to follow my journey. Stay tuned for updates on my stories!
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