Physical Effects of Stress on the Body

Often, in today’s competitive world we heard people saying ‘I am stressed out’. Modern life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations and demands. So stress has become a common problem for all the people. To know the physical effects of stress on the body refer the following article.

Stress is the body’s response to pressure from the outside world. Causing a number of health problems it is an internal process within the body that triggers a chain of chemical reactions. Up to a certain limit the body is able to tolerate stress but when it is persistent and occurs frequently it can lead to physical and mental disorders. Common sources of stress of stress are busy schedule, meeting deadlines and irregular working hours to accomplish goals. Stress is not always bad as in small doses it helps us to perform under pressure and motivate us to do our best.

When Stress is handled positively it is beneficial to us. It helps to keep us alert, active, and more energetic. Stress turns into distress when it gets too much and if we handle it in a negative manner, it starts having an affect on us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Stress usually leads to depression when it is handled in a negative manner. Many people take the harmful things such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs to come out of this depression which give a sense of stress relief. In reality these substances make the matter worse. The effects of stress vary from person to person depending upon factors such as age, physical and mental health, attitude and outlook towards life, and the level of stress.
The physical symptoms of stress:

* Frequent urination
* Dry mouth
* Stomach upset
* Sweating palms
* A pounding heart
* Difficulty in breathing
* Tight muscles that may cause pain and trembling

Physical Effects of Stress on the Body:

High Blood Pressure:
High Blood Pressure is one of the possible side effects of stress. A temporary shift in normal blood pressure levels can be caused by stress. The adrenal gland expels a set of hormones into the blood stream, in a stressful situation. Ultimately this will elevate blood pressure but as the stress fades away, blood pressure returns to its normal range.

Hair Loss:
Hair loss has also been associated to stress. Receding hair lines or patchy hair loss is strongly connected to stress. Stress can cause hair loss temporarily or stop hair growth permanently.

Irregular Bowel Movement:
Excess stress can meddle with normal bowel movement. Sometimes, irregular bowel pattern may take place suddenly in the form of diarrhea or constipation. In a stressful circumstance it is not surprising to experience lose bowel movement. Alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation may be experienced by the people under stress.

Difficulty In Sleeping:
One of the physical effects of stress on the health is sleeping disorders. With an anxious mind a good night’s sleep is a distant possibility. Worrying thoughts stabbing the mind just won’t let the person to sleep properly.

Abnormal Heart Rate:
This is one of the immediate physical effects of stress on the body. In the people exposed to high stress levels the heart beating faster is a common reaction. With excess stress, the heart rate) increase dramatically.

Body Pain:
Physical effects of stress on the body can also manifest in the form of back pain. With exposure to stress, involuntary contraction of muscles may happen in the back and neck area. This reduces the blood circulation in that area, which may eventually give rise to discomfort.

Decreased Sex Drive:
Stress can also have a negative impact on sex drive. People who have high levels of stress often complain about decreased sex drive.
Long Term Physical Effects of Stress

Insomnia:
Sleepless nights from everyday stress are common in today’s aggressive competition. Sleeplessness at night can be caused by the stress at home or office and ultimately make the person insomniac.

Weight Loss:
Frequent stress can affect the weight as stress can diminish the desire to eat food. This generally occurs when the person is unable to cope up with stress. Poor appetite resulting from stress may eventually lead to weight loss.

Intestinal Disorders:
Repetitive stress can cause intestinal problems. The person may suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, in which the colon (large intestine) is unable to carry out its routine tasks efficiently.

Diabetes:
Excess of stress can lead to sudden increase in blood sugar levels. Constant stress is caused by the relentless worrying thought pondering in the mind of the person which may lead to diabetes.

Heart Attack:
Often chronic high blood pressure is the result of persistent stress. Stress increases the likelihood of heart ailments. The person may eventually fall prey to heart attack with long duration hypertension and uncontrolled stress.

Worsen Existing Health Issues:
Existing health problems is aggravated by stress. With persistent stress, patients with asthma are likely to complain about aggravation of symptoms. Skin diseases like acne and pre-existing gastrointestinal problems like GERD can also worsen with constant stress.
How to Deal With Stress?

* Massage and bodywork has shown to be an effective method of reducing stress and releasing tension Lessen the number of stressors in your life
* Eat healthy foods
* Learn to say no
* Participate in regular physical exercise
* Laugh a lot
* Take time out for yourself

Prevention Tips:

* Set realistic goals and limits for yourself.
* Breathe deeply as it can reduce pain, decrease stress and anxiety; give us more energy, and a stronger immune system.
* Maintain a positive outlook.
* Reward yourself for the good things that you do each day.
* Drink more water as it allows the body to eliminate stress promoting toxins and metabolic wastes more easily.
* Take stress, time management, or anger management classes.
* Sleep deeply as sleep and rest allow our bodies time to rejuvenate, and repair.
* Maintain a balance of work and play.
* Practice prayer and meditation as this can give a renewed sense of clarity, purpose, and peace.
* Find activities that you enjoy and set aside time to participate in them on a regular basis.
* Put things into perspective and try not to get upset about insignificant or relatively unimportant matters.
* Set goals and break them into easily achievable tasks.