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The Silent Killer: How Chronic Stress is Destroying Your Health Without You Even Realizing It

Grant Lawson
ILLUMINATION
Published in
6 min readFeb 4, 2025

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Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash

Stress is a part of life. It’s as constant as the air we breathe, sometimes subtle and unnoticed, other times overwhelming and paralyzing. We live in an era where being busy is celebrated, where hustle culture is glorified, and where relaxation is often seen as a sign of laziness. Yet beneath the surface of this seemingly normal state of being lies a silent killer that is wrecking our bodies in ways we don’t fully understand until it’s too late.

Most people assume stress is simply a mental burden — something that affects mood, concentration, and emotional well-being. But stress is far more than just an emotional or psychological problem. It is a biological response that, when sustained over time, leads to devastating consequences for the body. Chronic stress is linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and even cancer. It weakens the immune system, disrupts digestion, accelerates aging, and alters brain function. It is, quite literally, eating us alive.

The way stress works is both fascinating and terrifying. In short bursts, stress is beneficial — it keeps us alert, sharp, and prepared for danger. It’s why our ancestors survived encounters with predators and why we react quickly in life-threatening situations. But in modern life, stress is rarely a…

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ILLUMINATION
ILLUMINATION

Published in ILLUMINATION

We curate and disseminate outstanding articles from diverse domains and disciplines to create fusion and synergy.

Grant Lawson
Grant Lawson

Written by Grant Lawson

Seasoned professional with experience across finance, tech, and media. Writer on politics, business growth, and Medium strategies.

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