Stress is a natural response to challenging or demanding situations. When your brain perceives a threat, your body activates its ‘fight-or-flight’ response, releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This can temporarily increase your heart rate, breathing and blood pressure.
Also see: Top 7 mistakes that make working from home more stressful
While short-term stress is normal, prolonged stress can keep the body in a heightened state of alertness and contribute to physical and emotional health problems.
Mayo Clinic lists these common physical signs that your body may be under stress.
Frequent headaches
Headaches can be associated with stress, particularly when stress causes muscle tension around the neck, shoulders and head. If headaches become frequent or unusually severe, they should not automatically be blamed on stress, as other medical conditions can cause them.
Muscle tension and body aches
Have you noticed tight shoulders, a stiff neck or unexplained back pain during particularly stressful periods? Stress can cause muscles to tense as part of the body’s protective response. When stress continues for a long time, persistent muscle tension may contribute to ongoing discomfort.
Digestive problems
Stress can affect the digestive system, potentially causing symptoms such as stomach discomfort, bloating, indigestion or heartburn. The relationship between the brain and digestive system means emotional strain can sometimes be reflected in the gut.
Also see: 5 Simple ways to make your workday less stressful
Changes in sleep or feeling
Mayo Clinic explains that difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night or generally getting poor-quality sleep can occur when you’re stressed.
Racing thoughts and a prolonged state of alertness can make it harder for the body and mind to properly wind down. Stress can leave you feeling physically and mentally drained. Fatigue may become particularly noticeable when poor sleep accompanies ongoing stress.
Getting sick more often
Long-term stress can affect immune system functioning. Mayo Clinic notes that chronic stress may weaken immune responses, potentially making it harder for the body to stay healthy and recover from illness.
Changes in appetite or weight
Stress can influence eating habits. Some people may lose their appetite, while others may eat more, particularly when using food to cope with emotional strain. Over time, changes in eating habits and physical activity can also contribute to changes in weight.
Managing stress can include regular physical activity, adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, spending time with supportive people and making time for activities you enjoy. Journaling and mindfulness may also be useful ways to create space for reflection and relaxation.
Also see: What your sleeping habits say about your stress levels
Featured image: Pexels
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