The Hidden Connection Between Stress and Physical Health

Written by Stephanie Gillespie, Addiction Treatment Outreach Coordinator

Stephanie Gillespie is a dedicated professional who has made a significant impact in the fields of developmental psychology, Autism, and Addiction Treatment. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Developmental Psychology.

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Stress is a part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming or constant, it can take a serious toll on your well-being. From digestive issues to heart disease, the effects of stress are far-reaching. Understanding the link between stress and physical health is essential for taking proactive steps to protect both your body and mind.

How does stress affect the body?

When you experience a stressful event, your body's response to stress is triggered by the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the "fight or flight" system. This response causes the adrenal glands to release stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These stress hormones increase blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension, priming your body to react quickly.

While this stress response can be life-saving in dangerous situations, frequent activation due to emotional stress, financial issues, or work pressure can lead to negative consequences. The central nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system all suffer under the strain of constant stress.

Short-term stress vs. long-term stress: What’s the difference?

Not all stress is created equal. In fact, short-term stress and long-term stress affect the body in very different ways, some of which can be helpful while others may be harmful.

Short-term stress: The temporary survival boost

Short-term stress, also known as acute stress, is the body’s natural response to immediate challenges. This could be anything from giving a presentation, dealing with a traffic jam, or facing a deadline at work. During these moments, the sympathetic nervous system kicks in, triggering the stress response and releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Your heart rate goes up, blood pressure increases, and your body becomes alert and ready to act.

In moderation, short-term stress can be beneficial. It sharpens focus, boosts energy, and improves problem-solving in the moment. After the stressful situation ends, the parasympathetic nervous system steps in to calm the body, allowing it to relax and return to balance as the stress fades away.

Chronic stress: The long-term health consequences

Unlike acute stress, which is short-lived, chronic stress lingers over time. People who experience chronic stress are at a higher risk for developing a variety of health problems, including:

• Cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and even heart attack

• Digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and disruptions to the intestinal barrier

• Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Reproductive system issues, including reduced sexual desire and conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome

• Weight gain, often due to hormonal imbalances and emotional eating

• A weakened immune system, making it harder to fight off infections

Over time, prolonged stress can even damage the coronary arteries, impacting cardiovascular health.

Unlike acute stress, prolonged stress doesn't give the body a chance to recover. Over time, this can damage key body systems, disrupt sleep, lower sexual desire, and lead to a mental health condition or burnout.

Understanding the difference between short-term stress and long-term stress is key to managing your health. While stress is unavoidable, recognizing when it becomes chronic empowers you to seek support and implement stress management techniques before it takes a toll on your body and mind.

Stress symptoms: Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

Stress symptoms often manifest as both emotional and physical symptoms, and recognizing them is the first step toward recovery. Common signs include:

• Mood swings, panic attacks, or frequent irritability

• Trouble sleeping and chronic fatigue

• Headaches, muscle tension, and jaw clenching

• Upset stomach, nausea, or changes in appetite

• Increased or decreased interest in sex

• Skin issues like acne or eczema flare-ups

If you're experiencing multiple symptoms and feel overwhelmed, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional or primary care provider.

Stress affects every system in the body

The effects of stress ripple through various body systems. The cardiovascular system must work harder, increasing strain on the heart. The digestive system can slow down or become hyperactive, causing digestive problems. Even the nervous system, including the parasympathetic nervous system, can become dysregulated, affecting your body’s ability to return to a calm state after stress passes.

When the body reacts this way repeatedly, it becomes difficult to return to a baseline state, leading to wear and tear that accelerates aging and contributes to chronic illnesses.

Stress management: Healthy ways to cope

Good stress management is key to maintaining physical and mental health. Here are some proven strategies to help you manage stress in a healthy way and combat mental health conditions:

• Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system

• Regular exercise to release endorphins and improve cardiovascular health

• Practicing mindfulness or meditation to calm the mind

• Journaling to process emotional distress

• Maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough sleep

• Seeking support from human services, therapists, or support groups

Building resilience helps your body and mind handle stressful situations more effectively.

When to get help

If stress is interfering with your daily life or causing severe symptoms, don’t wait. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health conditions, and cardiovascular disease can become worse without intervention. A mental health professional at a Riverside drug rehab center can help you uncover the root causes and develop a tailored plan to improve your well-being.

Stress effects on the body are far-reaching

Stress is more than just a mental burden; it’s a physical one too. Understanding how stress affects the body, learning the signs of chronic stress, recognizing your stress symptoms, and taking steps toward stress management can protect your health in the long term. Don’t underestimate the power of proactive care; even small steps can make a big difference.

If you feel stressed or find yourself facing more stress than usual, take it seriously. Your physical health, mental health, and overall quality of life depend on it.

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Read more from Stephanie Gillespie

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Stephanie Gillespie, Addiction Treatment Outreach Coordinator

Stephanie Gillespie is a dedicated professional who has made a significant impact in the fields of developmental psychology, Autism, and Addiction Treatment. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Developmental Psychology. Her 15 years of experience working with individuals of all ages on the Autism spectrum provided her with a strong foundation for her transition into the Addiction Treatment field, where she now works as an Outreach Specialist for Patient Digital Marketing. In this role, Stephanie leverages her expertise to help addiction treatment centers increase their online presence, ultimately reaching more individuals in need of support.