Did you know that anxiety is now the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder? I could have guessed, I suppose, but it’s still really shocking and sad that constant feelings of anxiety and stress are now the accepted norm in our culture and society.
The body’s reaction is a fight-or-flight response and harmful chemicals, like cortisol and adrenaline are released. There is no tiger to flee from (normally!!) so we feel in a hyper-vigilant state and can put on weight, through the release of too much of the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies. The body’s natural response, along with the combination of chemicals released can also sometimes cause increase in blood pressure, either temporarily or over time.
You may feel overwhelmed and exhausted – or conversely, you can’t rest or sleep. In many cases, this also goes hand in hand with procrastination. You know you want to or should be doing something, but the constant background “noise” of anxious thoughts in your head, stops you from trying, for fear that it won’t be good enough – I won’t be good enough!