Stress and Anxiety: The Physical Toll They Can Take
Your physical health can be negatively affected by anxiety and stress even if you are unaware of the problem.
Anxiety and stress, when combined, can have a significant and harmful impact on your physical health. These mental health conditions are known to be associated with a wide variety of physical symptoms, and it is recognized that they can exacerbate health difficulties that are already present.
Anxiety and stress can seriously affect physical health. The hormone cortisol is produced in the body in response to stress and anxiety. While a modest increase in cortisol levels may be beneficial in helping the body deal with stress, chronically elevated levels have been linked to a variety of adverse health outcomes, including:
● Digestive issues
Digestive and nervous systems take a back seat to the body’s ability to deal with immediate danger when you are under stress.
Stress, especially prolonged or chronic stress, can cause the digestive system to shut down, leading to digestive issues. Constant stress increases the risk of acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers. There are more negative outcomes to chronic stress.
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomachache
● Respiratory problems
Anxiety and stress can cause breathlessness, which can have serious health consequences like chest pain, shortness of breath, and even collapse.
● Weakened immune system
The rapid activation of the immune system amid stressful situations enhances the body’s natural ability to repair damage and ward off illness. However, if the stress isn’t reduced, it can compromise the body’s defenses.
Inadequate levels of the hormones known as glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, may be to blame. When hormones like these weaken the immune system, it’s easier to catch a cold or the flu. Inflammation levels are to be reduced. A weakened immune system could lengthen the healing process in sickness or accidents.
● Cardiovascular problems
Long-term exposure to stress hormones affects the cardiovascular system beyond the expected elevation in blood pressure. Consequences of this problem include increased risk of blood clotting. The inflammatory response is amplified by cortisol, leading to vascular inflammation. In medical terminology, this is an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart attacks.
● Sleep problems
Anxiety and stress, which can prevent you from getting quality sleep, can be the root cause of insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders and issues.
The solution to stress and anxiety problems
One way to solve these issues is to deal with the underlying tension and anxiety. Furthermore, several methods can help mitigate the harmful physical manifestations of stress and worry. The following are examples:
● Adequate sleep
Sleeping for a reasonable amount of time each night is essential for your physical and mental health, and it can help reduce the negative physiological impacts of stress.
● Proper nutrition
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet has been shown to improve physical health and reduce the risk of developing anxiety and stress-related illnesses.
● Regular exercise
Regular exercise has several health benefits, including lowering stress and anxiety and improving cardiovascular health, digestive health, and sleep quality.
● The practices of meditation and awareness.
Meditative and mindful practices make one feel less stressed and anxious and have also been shown to boost sleep quality and immune system performance.
The Takeaway
A visit to a mental health professional can be a pivotal step in identifying the root causes of stress and concern and seeking effective treatment options if these issues negatively impact your physical health.
Maintaining one’s physical health and lowering the risk of developing stress- and anxiety-related illnesses call for not just eating well but also sleeping well. Taking preventative actions to manage stress and anxiety can help people improve their well-being and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.