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April is Stress Awareness Month

How Does Stress Affect Your Body

If you’re feeling stressed, join the party. The reasons behind that stressed-out feeling differ for each person. Some talk about it, others don’t. However, there’s one thing people have in common: when you’re stressed, you’ll feel it in your body. That’s because your mental and physical response to stress go hand in hand.

Knowing the common signs of stress can help you handle them. That’s important because stress can lead to health problems like:

  • High blood pressure;
  • Heart disease;
  • Obesity; and
  • Depression.

Here are some areas of the body that are affected by stress:

  • Head and Mood-Stress alters memory and many other brain functions, like mood and anxiety.
  • Heart-Stress may lead to chest pain or a fast heartbeat. 
  • Stomach and Digestion-Stress touches the brain-gut link. It may set off pain, bloating and other gut issues. Stress can change digestion and affect what nutrients your body absorbs when you eat.
  • Back-Anxiety and stress can lead to muscle tension and cause back, shoulder and neck pain.
  • Whole body-Physical warnings of stress include aches and pains, insomnia, frequent colds, headaches, fatigue and infections. 

Make it a priority to handle your stress. Be sure to get regular exercise. Make time to relax with deep breathing, yoga or meditation. Set aside time for yourself when you can enjoy your hobbies, read or listen to music.

Talk to your doctor about stress and how it may be affecting your physical and mental health. If you don’t speak up, you’re missing a chance to get better. Managing your stress and getting healthier and stronger mentally will help you in many ways, including better physical health.

For information about how stress affects the body, visit here. 

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Useful links:

  1. Stress-Management-Flyer (aetna.com)
  2. A Clear Vison for Peace of Mind-EyeMed
  3. Managing Your Stress - Hally Health
  4. Worry Less At Work. - Hally Health
  5. Protect Your Health by Managing Stress | HealthLink
  6. 10 Easy Desk Stretches to Help You De-Stress at Work - Bevi
  7. Work Stress Overwhelming? Take These 3 Steps