We all experience stress in some form or another. That’s no secret. But do you know how it impacts your body? You might be shocked and even stress out to discover how destructive it can be. And, hopefully, you’ll be inspired to keep your stress levels in check from now on.
How Does Stress Affect the Body?
Stress can affect a variety of systems inside your body. As a result, it’s critical to manage the stressors in your life. Let’s take a look at how just a few major systems in your body are impacted.
Musculoskeletal System
When you’re stressed, your muscles tighten up; they’re bracing themselves against injury and pain. If your stress is constant, those muscles stay tense, and that can lead to things like headaches and body pain.
Respiratory System
Stress and strong emotions can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, especially for those with respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. Stress can make these conditions worse or trigger asthma attacks and panic attacks.
Cardiovascular System
During short-term stress, like deadlines or traffic, the heart rate increases, blood vessels dilate, and stress hormones grow, preparing the body for “fight or flight.” Chronic stress lasting a long time can damage your heart and blood vessels, leading to conditions like hypertension, heart attack, or stroke.
The Reproductive System
Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which affects testosterone production in men and might lead to a loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and problems with producing sperm. Chronic stress can also make you more susceptible to infections in the testes, prostate gland, and urethra. Women don’t respond well either. Weight gain and loss of the menstrual cycle are some affects of too much stress.
What Happens to the Brain When You Are Stressed?
Stress affects thinking and memory because the brain redistributes energy due to survival instincts and leaves fewer resources for things that aren’t required to continue living. In other words, your memory takes a back seat. Chronic stress can even reshape your brain!
Is It Possible for Your Body to Shut down from Stress?
Your brain can “shut down” in a way. It’s called emotional numbness, which is when the brain slumps into a state of dissociation. In other words, your brain says “nope” when it comes to remaining connected to your thoughts, and actions, along with the world around you.
If this happens to you, talk to your doctor. In the meantime, also be sure you’re:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Eating nutritious foods
- Minimizing stress
- Moving your body with exercise
- Practicing mindfulness
How Long Does It Take the Body to Recover from Stress?
If you’re recovering from chronic stress, it doesn’t happen overnight. The process can take several months, and you might find yourself sensitive to stress for a long time. If you or someone you know is in this recovery process, treat it like recovering from a major physical injury: take it slow. Small steps are the best bet.