The Effects of Stress on Our Body

Stress affects everyone. You may notice symptoms of stress during challenging times at work or when coping with relationship issues. Everyone experiences stress and a little is okay. It’s fine to experience occasional stress. But, constant tension and stress can increase your risk of developing a number of physical and mental health symptoms.

Here’s what you need to know about the long-term effects of stress.

Symptoms of Chronic Stress

Here are the symptoms of chronic stress:

• Feeling emotionally drained
• Becoming moody, angry, or frustrated easily 
• Finding it difficult to relax
• A sense of dread
• Muscle tension and headaches
• Low energy levels 
• Rapid heart rate
• Insomnia
• Nervousness and shaking
• Constant worrying
• Inability to concentrate 

How Stress Affects the Body

Chronic stress affects all systems of the body including the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, nervous, and respiratory systems.

Immune System

A variety of studies have shown that stress messes with immunity. This is why you are more likely to catch a cold when you are super busy at work or school, or on the first day of your vacation.

 Stress causes cortisol levels to rise, which can cause inflammation and mess with your immune system.

Gastrointestinal Tract

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with immune cells and nerve endings and immune cells, all of which are affected by stress hormones. Stress can exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome and cause acid reflux and upset stomach.

Musculoskeletal System

Your muscles tend to tense up when the body is stressed. Muscle tension is a reflex reaction to stress. It is the body’s way of preventing injury and pain.

When stress occurs, the muscles tense up all at once. After the stress passes, the muscles release their tension. Chronic stress doesn’t allow the muscles to release their tension. It causes the muscles to be in a constant state of tension. When muscles are tense and taunt for lengthy periods of time, this may trigger headaches and other issues.

Heart

When you are under stress, your blood pressure and heart rate increases. Cortisol is released. These changes can have an impact on your heart if they are extreme enough. Extreme physical or emotional stress can cause a rare form of cardiomyopathy, which is known as broken-heart syndrome. This is a weakening of the heart’s left ventricle (its main pumping chamber).

Brain

Studies have found brain changes in people who are under chronic stress. Stress can affect attention and cognition, which is why you may find it hard to concentrate when you are stressed.

Over the long term, stress may actually change your brain in ways that affect your memory. There is evidence that long-term stress may actually rewire the brain. These brain changes may be reversible in some instances, but may be more difficult to reverse if stress lasts for long periods of time.

How to Manage Stress

Stress is a part of life. Everyone experiences it. Stress can be both positive and negative. What matters the most is how you handle stress. Here are some of the best ways to deal with stress.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, talk to your doctor. Your physician can review your symptoms and rule out other conditions. If stress is to blame, your doctor may recommend a counselor or therapist to help you better manage your stress.

Get a Move On

Almost any type of exercise can be a stress reliever. Physical activity increases levels of endorphins in the brain that are responsible for feeling good. Exercise can improve your mood and make the stress of the day melt away. So, go for a bike ride, a walk around the neighborhood, or anything else that gets you active.

Find a Reason to Laugh

It’s fun to share a good laugh, but did you know it can actually reduce stress? When you laugh, it helps to cool down your body’s stress response. Laughter helps reduce physical tension in the body. It can leave your muscles relaxed for 45 minutes after. So, watch a funny movie, tell some jokes, or watch a comedy show.

Try a Calm Injection

Our Calm Injection contains a combination of magnesium and amino acids. These have been found to help promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension. This injection is perfect for anyone suffering with stress or anxiety.

Questions?

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