Stress is Bad for Your Heart
Plain and simple, chronic or intense stress is bad for your heart. Sudden, intense stress triggers a rush of adrenaline that can prevent the heart from functioning properly, but chronic stress can contribute to just as many problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, chest pain, and irregular heartbeats. Over time, stress hormones lower the heart’s ability to do its job, so it’s important to identify and manage triggers when possible.
Relaxation Improves Your Immune System
Studies have shown that chronic stress lasting more than a month doubles a person’s chance of catching a cold. Relaxation lowers inflammation in the body and improves the body’s ability to fight off disease.
Relaxing Improves Brain Health and Function
Chronic stress impairs the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain that’s in charge of cognitive analysis and appropriate behavior — functions you don’t want to be without! It’s also more difficult to learn under stress, and you’re more likely to forget the things you thought you’d learned while under stress. Some studies indicate that chronic stress can exacerbate or speed up the process of Alzheimer’s disease, but people who cope best with stressful life events have a 24% lower risk of stroke according to a University of Cambridge study in 2007. Chronic stress also means your body is being overexposed to the stress hormone cortisol, which can reduce levels of “happy” hormones serotonin and dopamine.
How to Relax
Challenge yourself to create pockets or relaxation in your daily life! Make a list of things that make you feel relaxed — maybe it’s reading, exercise, yoga, going to the movies, scrapbooking, or artistic endeavors. With your list in hand, take a look at your calendar and find ways to fit in the activities you’ve listed. Schedule them like you would anything else, and make those appointments non-negotiable. It really is a matter of protecting your health!
Managing Your Health at IVX Health
If biologics are a part of your chronic illness treatment plan, then consider choosing IVX Health for your ongoing care needs. IVX Health makes it possible to receive your therapy in a comfortable, convenient, and private environment.
With a private suite for every patient, you can watch your favorite Netflix show or movie on the big screen TV in each room, use a laptop or other mobile device to surf the web, or simply hang out with family and friends. We always have chairs for guests, and each center has a family room that is spacious and private if you need to bring your kids to your treatment. We also offer flexible appointment scheduling – including evenings and Saturdays – at any of our convenient locations.
At IVX Health, we truly are invested in helping you live your best life. If you’re ready to experience a new kind of infusion clinic, click here to learn how to move your infusion or injection therapy to IVX Health.