Stress is a part of everyone’s life, be it the deadline at work, family duties, or simply keeping up with all things in our hectic lives. Although stress is an expected reaction to some things, excess stress can take a heavy toll on both our physical and mental well-being. Take a glance at what stress does to your body and easy measures you can adopt to keep it under control.

The Effects of Stress on Your Body

We’ve all experienced the knot in our chest or the pounding heart when we’re stressed. But did you know stress can affect your body in ways you may not expect?

1. The Heart and Circulatory System

Stress makes your heart race faster, and your blood pressure goes up as your body gets ready to react to a “danger.” If you make stress a normal part of your life, this can build up over the long term into problems such as heart disease or high blood pressure. 

2. Muscles and Joints

How frequently are you awakened with a stiff neck or tight shoulders after a stressful day? Stress has the ability to cause your muscles to lock up, particularly in your neck, back, and shoulders. Chronic tension can result in headaches, back pain, or even chronic pain that can last for years. The more stress you experience, the more likely the pains will remain.

3. Your Digestion

Stress affects your digestive system enormously. Have you ever had butterflies in your belly prior to an important presentation? Perhaps you’ve also had cramps in your belly during times of stress? Stress can result in indigestion, bloating, and worse, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). No wonder our tummies grumble when we are stressed since our gut is very sensitive to how we feel.

4. Sleep Problems

Ever lie awake at night with your mind racing? Stress can significantly disrupt your sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep or remain asleep. This can initiate a cycle of fatigue, irritability, and heightened stress levels. The more you stress, the more it will be difficult to get the rest your body needs to renew itself.

5. Immune System

When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, the stress hormone. While cortisol is helpful in the short term, too much of it over time weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. This could mean more colds, longer recovery times, and a generally weaker immune system.

6. Mental Health

Stress doesn’t only impact your body; it also impacts your mind. Overwhelming feelings, anxiety, or even depression can be indicators that stress is getting the better of you. Mental fatigue, mood swings, and lack of concentration are some of the most common stress-related problems that can impact your daily life.

What You Can Do About It

So, how do you deal with the stress that’s impacting your body and mind? The good news is that there are little, easy things you can do on a daily basis to minimize stress.

1. Get Moving

2. Breathe Deeply

3. Prioritize Sleep

4. Eat Well

5. Take Breaks

6. Talk to Someone

Conclusion

Stress is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to consume your body and mind. With a few simple adjustments to your daily routine, you can minimize its effects and begin to feel better. Be it through exercise, sleep, or meditation, there are ample amounts of ways in which you can handle stress and feel healthier overall.

At Stepcare, we know how stress can impact your health, and we’re here to assist you in taking that initial step towards a better-balanced life. Drop by Stepcare for advice and guidance in stress management for a healthier future.