How stress affects our body

In this survey, 89 percent of respondents reported physical symptoms of muscle pain, including headaches, while 72 percent reported fatigue and 39 percent reported difficulty sleeping.

The symptoms reported by survey participants affected not only physical health but also emotional well-being, with 86 percent feeling anxious, 81 percent worried and 68 percent irritable. In terms of behavioral symptoms, 59 percent of respondents reported using alcohol or other drugs (prescription medications or drugs such as cocaine and marijuana).

What exactly is stress?

The word Stress, which has become an extremely common term today, has taken on several meanings. It’s often confused with certain feelings. Instead of saying we are angry or frustrated, we often say we are stressed. Stress isn’t an emotion, however, but rather an adjustment to a situation required of a person. Therefore, it can be both positive (a challenge perceived as stimulating) and negative (a challenge perceived as threatening). The assessment of whether stress is positive or negative is based on our personal experiences.

In the past, stress came from fighting for survival against wild animals. Today, stressors range from family expectations, perceived unfair demands at work and academic pressure to muggings and other types of physical assault.

The difference is that in the past, we made use of hormones to combat wild beasts – while today, we receive one adrenaline rush after the other while sitting at a desk.

The problem with excess stress and nervousness is that it triggers illnesses such as depression, anxiety and even stomach problems such as nervous gastritis and more.

How excess adrenaline triggers stress

Adrenaline is the main stress hormone. While it can help motivate us, it can leave harmful traces in the body. The same goes for cortisol, another hormone released by the body to cope with situations perceived as dangerous.

Cortisol, when produced frequently or for prolonged periods, can impair the immune system. I.e.: Muscle tension increases, breathing becomes faster and shallower, arteries may constrict. Some people also experience cold and sweaty hands and feet. In addition, brain activity and heart rate increase.

These signs of stress are the first step when a situation requires that we adjust to it. They’re important because they help us cope with it.

However, if the signs persist over an extended period, the individual may develop dangerous symptoms. If a stressful situation persists and the person lacks the resources to adapt to it, we call this chronic stress. E.g., if you start your day thinking “I can’t remember the last time I didn’t have a headache waking up, I can’t remember the last time I slept well,” stress reactions have already become permanent.

The effects of stress on the body

Stress affects the entire body, but some areas are more susceptible to the consequences of prolonged tension.

The brain: One of our most crucial organs receives a higher dose of stimulating chemicals. This increases brain activity, and pupils dilate to improve vision. However, at high doses of stress, blood pressure rises, leading to strokes and aneurysms.

The heart: Heart rate increases, and blood pressure rises. Constant stress causes significant adrenaline surges that increase blood clotting and constrict the heart vessels, raising the risk of a heart attack.

The gastrointestinal tract: Stress alters stomach acid levels. At high doses, this means heartburn, digestive issues, gastritis, and even ulcer formation.

The muscles: Muscles receive more blood and oxygen and contract to enhance performance. However, constant tension causes pain – especially in the back, shoulders and neck – as well as excessive fatigue.

The mouth: Research at the University of Zurich has shown that stressed people are more prone to periodontal disease, which affects the tissue around the teeth that holds them in place. These diseases can lead to the destruction of bone tissue and tooth loss.

If a person lives with numerous stress-inducing situations that do not require a flight-or-fight response, stress hormones are not used up and remain in the bloodstream. To control them, you can take several measures:

• Get regular physical exercise.
• Talk to friends about your worries and feelings.
• Take time to relax and engage in activities that bring you joy, such as hobbies or learning a language.
• Limit your news consumption.
• Get good quality sleep. Get medical and psychological help.

Stress tolerance varies from person to person and from lifestyle to lifestyle

Each person has their own tolerance for stress. Any time we exceed this limit frequently or for a long period of time, there are bound to be consequences. A common example is when our job is toxic, but we continue to endure it in order to maintain our status or salary.

A healthy lifestyle also helps you cope better with different situations. It doesn’t mean you’ll never feel stressed, but you’ll be better able to respond to it.