
You May Think Chronic Stress In Your 20s Was Normal, But Cool It In Your 30s
Few things are worse for your mental or physical health than chronic stress. And studies show that women are more likely to experience stress than men. In the short term, stress causes headaches, makes it hard to sleep, messes with your mood, and zaps your energy. Being stressed for long periods due to overwork, health issues, or struggling to balance responsibilities can severely damage your health.
Chronic stress is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and cognitive issues like forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. Women with chronic stress may experience period irregularities or difficulty getting pregnant. Digestion and cardiovascular conditions are also more common in people who are chronically stressed. Finding ways to destress can be life-saving—literally. Exercise, even just stretching, can help relieve stress and boost your mood. Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or prayer may help relax your mind and body when the stress gets to be too much.