Relationship stress can have a major impact on your overall health and well-being, but many people don’t realize just how significant the effects can be. Here are five surprising ways that relationship stress can impact your health:
- Relationship stress can affect your immune system. When you’re under stress, your body’s natural defense system becomes weakened, making you more susceptible to illness and infection. This means that if you’re constantly stressed out in your relationship, you may find yourself getting sick more often.
- Relationship stress can lead to weight gain. Stress can cause your body to produce more of the hormone cortisol, which can lead to weight gain, especially around your midsection. Additionally, stress can also cause you to turn to unhealthy comfort foods, which can further contribute to weight gain.
- Relationship stress can increase your risk of heart disease. Stress can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can put extra strain on your heart and increase your risk of heart disease. In fact, research has shown that people who are under chronic stress are more likely to develop heart disease than those who are not.
- Relationship stress can cause sleep problems. Stress can make it difficult for you to fall asleep at night, and it can also cause you to wake up frequently during the night. This can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, which can have a number of negative effects on your health, including weight gain, decreased immunity, and increased risk of heart disease.
- Relationship stress can worsen existing health conditions. If you have a pre-existing health condition, such as asthma or diabetes, stress can make it worse. Stress can cause symptoms to flare up and can make it more difficult for you to manage your condition.
It’s important to recognize the impact that relationship stress can have on your health and to take steps to manage it. This may include seeking professional help, practicing self-care, and working on improving communication and problem-solving skills in your relationship. By addressing relationship stress, you can improve your overall health and well-being.