Stress is an inherent aspect of modern life. Many events that happen to you and others in your life, as well as many activities that you engage in, produce stress in your body. Any change in the environment that causes your body to respond and adjust is classified as stress. The body develops physical, mental, and emotional responses to cope with these changes. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your mood, immune and digestive systems, and cardiovascular health.
In this blog we will understand in detail what stress is. What are the causes of stress and effects of stress on the body.
What is Stress?
Stress is the body’s natural response to situations like being under pressure, threatened, facing big challenges or being out of control. Stress can impact both our physical and mental health. When we feel stressed, our body's "fight or flight" response is triggered, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This response prepares our body to either confront the threat or flee from it.
Symptoms of Stress
Physical stress symptoms- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle Tension
- Digestive Issue
- Sleep Problem
Emotional Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Mood Swings
- Lack of Motivation
Causes of Stress
- Work pressure
- Financial Problems
- Relationship Issues
- Health Concerns
- Unexpected Life Changes
Effects of Stress on the Body
Nervous System
Your central nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response. When you are under stress your brain releases the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase the heartbeat and send blood rushing to your muscles, heart, and other important organs. Mental effects of stress can also lead to behavior such as overeating or not eating enough, alcohol or drug abuse, and social withdrawal (1).
• Digestive System
Your body produces excess glucose when under stress to give extra energy. If you are under constant stress your body may not be able to handle excess glucose produced. Chronic stress can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Stress is also responsible for rapid breathing and increased heart which can upset your digestive system. Stress can cause acid reflux and heartburn. Stress can also increase your risk for them and cause existing ulcers to act up (2).
Stress can also impact the way food moves through your body, causing diarrhea or constipation. You may also experience vomiting and nausea.
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory System
Stress can cause your blood vessels to constrict and divert more oxygen to your muscles, so you’ll have more strength to take action. But this can increase your blood pressure. Chronic stress can also cause stroke and heart attacks.
During stress you breathe faster causing respiratory problems. It can be particularly difficult for people who are suffering from asthma. Physical symptoms of stress include tiredness and fatigue (3).
• Sexual health and Reproductive System
One of the common health effects of constant stress is lack of sexual desire. Chronic stress can cause testosterone levels to go down. Lack of testosterone can cause low sperm production and erectile dysfunction. Chronic stress can increase the risk of infection for male reproductive organs like the prostate and testes. Stress can interfere with menstrual cycle in women. It can also lead to irregular, heavier, or more painful periods (4).
• Immune System
Stress hormones weaken your immune system and reduce your body’s response to pathogens. People who are under constant stress are more susceptible to viral illnesses like the flu and the common cold, as well as other infections. Stress can also increase the time it takes you to recover from an illness.
• Skin Health
Stress has a significant impact on skin health. Stress hormones can break down the collagen and elastin in skin and interfere with rejuvenation. This can speed up the aging process causing fine lines and wrinkles. Stress can also lead to increased inflammation, slow down wound healing, and negatively impact skin conditions.
Tips to Manage Stress
Meditation
Meditation is an excellent way to reduce your daily stress. There is evidence that only two minutes of silent meditation twice a day can assist with stress and depression. Concentrate on your breathing and let your troubles slip away by finding a comfortable spot in a tranquil region (5).
Get Adequate Sleep
Lack of sleep is a trigger for stress. Sleep deprivation can lead to thinking and problem-solving skills, attention span, memory, patience, ability to connect with friends and family which all contributed to your stress level. Getting enough sleep can help you reduce your stress by making you feel calm and relaxed.
Take a Walk
If you're feeling overwhelmed or having trouble concentrating, go for a little walk around the block. Some alone time, some physical activity, and a few seconds to collect your thoughts will help you.
Laugh a Little
Laughter is one of the sillier methods to relieve stress, but it has scientific backing. A hysterical fit can boost circulation and immunity. Watch a hilarious YouTube video (maybe of a piano-playing pug) for a quick pick-me-up.
Conclusion
Stress can have a profound and detrimental impact on the human body, affecting both physical and mental well-being. The constant barrage of stressors can lead to a cascade of physiological responses, including elevated cortisol levels, disrupted sleep patterns, and compromised immune function. However, supplements like ashwagandha and magnesium have gained recognition for their potential to alleviate stress-related symptoms.
FAQs 1. How does stress impact mental health? Stress can impact your mental health by causing anxiety, depression, mood swings and lack of focus.
2. How did stress affect your daily living? Stress can cause you irritation, lack of motivation and loneliness in your daily life. It can also cause headaches, high blood pressure and sleep problems.
3. What are the serious diseases caused by stress? Some serious diseases caused by stress are obesity, depression, high blood pressure and Gastrointestinal problems
4. How to stop stress? Stress is an inevitable part of our lives. It may not be possible to completely stop the stress, but you can manage stress by some simple techniques like eating a healthy lifestyle, physical activities, developing hobbies, maintaining good relationships and consuming supplements like ashwagandha and magnesium.
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