If you feel stressed, you certainly do not stand alone–the problem is ubiquitous in our fast-paced world.
Most of us accept that stress is a certainty in modern society. We understand that, as we go about our day, we’ll almost certainly encounter a trying situation. Many of us will have to contend with multiple challenges throughout the day. As we’ve discussed, some stress can be a good thing. It motivates us to get things done and is a powerful self-preservation agent. This aside, excessive stress levels experienced continuously can pose a serious threat to mental and physical health.
Of course, elevated stress levels are felt by the body. When in a state of panic, the brain will release adrenaline and cortisol (aka, “the stress hormone”) into the bloodstream. Under normal circumstances – and in the presence of a real threat – this hormonal response enables us to “(curb) functions that would be nonessential or detrimental in a fight-or-flight situation.” In other words, we can proactively deal with the threat in such circumstances.
Overexposure to adrenaline and cortisol hormones, however, can adversely impact nearly every system within the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, overexposure to cortisol increases the risk of numerous health problems, including anxiety, depression, digestive problems, headaches, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain, and memory and concentration impairment.
Eight Signs Someone Is Too Stressed
In this article, we discuss eight of the most common physical impacts. We’ll also provide tips on coping effectively with problems in our lives.
1. Headaches happen when stressed
An article states that headaches are more likely to occur when facing intense pressure. Furthermore, stress is the number one cause of tension headaches. The most common type of headache, tension, can cause either mild or intense pain in the neck, head, and behind the eyes.
It can both create and exacerbate other types of headaches, including migraines.
2. Digestive problems
When the brain opens the hormone floodgates, the digestive system undergoes a kind of initial “shock.” Medical experts have uncovered an intricate connection between the brain and the digestive system, which helps to explain why stress can cause many digestive problems to surface. Chronic stress can also worsen certain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
3. Frequent colds and infections
Stress causes our circulatory system to kick into overdrive (due to increased heart rate). This physiological effect can suppress the immune system in conjunction with a rise in blood pressure. Of course, this weakens the immune system’s ability to seek out and neutralize illness-causing bacteria and other agents.
4. Weight gain from being stressed
Although stress reactions are more commonly associated with weight gain, a minority of individuals experience fluctuating weight – and even weight loss. That said, elevated levels of cortisol “has been shown to up appetite, drive craving or “junk” food, and make it (easier) to accumulate belly fat.”
5. Stomach issues
As mentioned, stress reactions can throw the digestive system through a loop. Therefore, stomach problems are among the most commonly cited symptoms of those with high-stress levels. Nausea, indigestion, cramps, and aches are all potential stomach-related problems resulting from a stress reaction.
6. Fatigue
Emotional, mental, and physical stimuli can cause stress that interrupts our body’s normal functioning. The presence of stress increases pressure and tension levels within the body, making it more prone to fatigue and potentially manifesting into mental or physical exhaustion.
7. Chest pain or palpitations
Daily pressures create anxiety, and anxiety creates stress. This frustrating mental cycle can cause chest tightness and/or pain. Additionally, chest pains are often frightening experiences – and this reaction further exacerbates the stress/anxiety that is present.
Chronic stress is itself a risk factor for heart disease and heart attack. Recent research studies also link this response to the mechanisms for blood clotting, which can cause moderate to severe heart problems.
8. Loss of sex drive when stressed
For both men and women, the desire to engage in sexual intercourse can be hampered by a hectic life. The simple reason is that stress hijacks chemicals in the brain responsible for stimulating sex drive. Chronic stress can lead to problems in women’s ovulation and lower sperm count and fertility in men.
Final Thoughts: A Few Easy-to-Follow Tips to Deal With Life When Stressed Out
While stress may be unavoidable, many ways exist to lessen its effect on our minds and bodies.
Here are a few of the best ways to counteract it include the following:
- Writing for ten to fifteen minutes a day in a daily journal. This helps to organize our thoughts and may provide you some relief.
- Talking to family, friends, or a professional about your feelings is a healthy way to relieve them.
- Doing something enjoyable, such as a hobby, creative activity, or volunteer work.
- Focusing on the present by practicing meditation and guided imagery.
- Exercising regularly, is one of the best ways to manage this issue. Stretching can reduce muscle tension, a byproduct of elevated stress levels.
- Practicing breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and yoga can help relieve the pressure.
- Getting a massage, trying aromatherapy, or music therapy.
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