A little stress in life is good, because it motivates us to meet tight deadlines and react in a crisis. However, too much stress has a detrimental effect on our minds and bodies, by prolonging the “fight or flight” response past what is considered healthy. While the mental and emotional impact of stress is often what we experience first, the side effects of stress can be long term and difficult to treat. This article will cover some of the most common physical effects of stress to offer a better understanding of the impact stress has on the body.
Stress Symptoms There are many physical effects of stress and they fluctuate from person to person. Many people will suffer from recurring headaches or other types of aches and pains. The stomach can also be a victim of the physical effects of stress, with diarrhea, constipation and other types of stomach upset a common symptom. Some people also experience cardiovascular symptoms like a racing heart, chest pains or elevated blood pressure. Difficulty sleeping can increase physical effects of stress with fatigue and low sex drive.
Making Current Problems Worse In addition to physical symptoms, too much stress can wreak havoc with current medical conditions. Anyone dealing with chronic pain may find pain becomes worse when under stress. Constant tension can also exacerbate the symptoms of heart disease, digestive disorders and depression. People with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may see physical effects of stress like more frequent flare ups of their illnesses. Those trying to watch their weight or drop pounds may find it very difficult to reach their goals when under extreme stress.
Long Term Effects The long term physical effects of stress are more difficult to treat. For example, stress can wear down the immune system so it is harder to fight off illness. It may even place you at greater risk for autoimmune disorders and some types of cancer. Chronic pain that becomes worse under stress can lead to mental disorders like depression. Cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure or heart palpitations may lead to more serious conditions if they are not diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion.
The best way to avoid the physical effects of stress is to learn to manage the challenging times of life more effectively. This means adhering to a healthy diet and daily exercise program even when it feels like you don’t have time to do so. Talking about your tension can also help tame it, whether it’s over drinks with a friend or in a counseling session with a therapist. Relaxation techniques are also an excellent way to manage tension and anxiety and keep physical effects of stress to a minimum. Those simple steps will go a long way in keeping your body healthy during the challenging times of life.