(BlackDoctor.org) – Stress is a serious modern-day factor in everyone’s health, including men. Daily tension and emotional strain has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, and many other chronic illnesses. Men experiencing high levels of stress can also experience anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and depression, and are very likely to turn to unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, overeating, and/or drug abuse to help deal with that stress.
Why Is Stress So Dangerous?
Stress is harmful because it presses biological buttons inside men that have long outlived their usefulness. When a man had to battle wild animals to save his family, that stress prompted certain fight-or-flight responses within his body:
• The heart rate soared to send more blood to the brain, improving quick decision-making.
• Blood shunted into the large muscles of the arms and legs to provide more strength and speed, and away from the gut.
• Blood sugar rose to provide more fuel for quick energy.
• Blood began to clot more quickly, to prevent blood loss from wounds or internal damage.
All of these natural emergency responses were necessary – at that time. But perpetually living in that same fight-or-flight response mode can be deadly, since it prevents the body from being able to take care of itself through normal and essential daily functions.
So, what’s a guy to do?
1. Sleep well. Good nutrition and 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night can help your body recover from past stress and be better prepared to deal with new stress. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants that might promote stress and sleeplessness. It’s hard, but try to limit your alcohol, which might deepen any depression you may be feeling.
Men: 7 Ways To Conquer Your Stress was originally published on blackdoctor.org
