Unusual Impacts Stress May Have on Your Physical Self
Stress, a common part of modern life, can have far-reaching effects on our physical health. It's not just about feeling anxious or worried; stress can manifest in a variety of physical symptoms.
One such symptom is tension headaches, neck and jaw tightness, and knots and spasms in the neck and shoulders. However, stress doesn't stop at causing these conditions; it can also exacerbate existing ones, leading to a vicious cycle.
Stress can affect the skin, causing conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, hives, and itchiness, as well as excessive sweating and hair loss. It can even impact the digestive system, causing symptoms such as pain, gas, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and acid reflux (GERD).
Stress can have a significant impact on the heart, increasing heart rate and worsening heart and lung conditions, including heart disease, heart rhythm abnormalities, high blood pressure, stroke, and asthma. It can also lead to sleep disorders like insomnia and contribute to TMJ, a jaw disorder.
Chronic stress, caused by ongoing daily stressors, can have lasting and profound impacts on mental and physical health. It can cause weight gain, poor sleep, and gut-related issues. Moreover, stress weakens the immune system, making one more likely to catch colds or the flu, and may make autoimmune conditions such as lupus and inflammatory bowel disease worse.
Interestingly, researchers like Richard Lang, MD, MPH and Susan Albers, PsyD are studying the connection between psychological stress and bodily functions. They focus on how stress can affect physical health and immune responses, particularly psychosomatic interactions and behavioural health impacts.
Daily stressors, such as missed buses or financial issues, can affect the body and may increase stress levels when physical symptoms worsen. The body gets stuck in the 'fight or flight' response during chronic stress, causing inflammation and making one vulnerable to chronic disease.
Stress can also cause sleep problems, such as tossing and turning all night, overthinking, and spending the wee hours of the night awake and playing video games or scrolling through your phone. Ever wonder why your period might sometimes skip a month or come a week late? Stress can be a contributing factor.
Chronic stress can lead to conditions like secondary amenorrhea, caused by continually missing periods due to stress. It's crucial to manage stress levels to maintain both mental and physical health.
In conclusion, while stress is an inevitable part of life, understanding its effects on our health can help us take steps to manage it effectively. Whether it's through stress management techniques, a healthy lifestyle, or seeking professional help, it's essential to prioritise our wellbeing to live a healthier, happier life.
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