In this article, we discuss eight of the most common physical effects of too much stress. We’ll also provide some tips on how to effectively cope with stressors in our lives.
FIRST, HERE ARE THE EIGHT PHYSICAL SIGNS OF TOO MUCH STRESS:
1. HEADACHES
The Mayo Clinic states that headaches are more likely to occur when we’re stressed. Furthermore, stress is the number one cause of tension headaches. The most common type of headache, tension-type headaches can “cause mild, moderate or intense pain in your head, neck, and behind your eyes.” Stress 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 digestive system, which helps to explain why stress can cause a number of 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, in conjunction with a rise in blood pressure, can suppress the immune system. Of course, this weakens the immune system’s ability to seek out and neutralize illness-causing bacteria and other agents.
4. WEIGHT GAIN
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. Relatedly, 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, which makes it more prone to fatigue, also potentially manifesting into mental or physical exhaustion.
