Physical Symptoms of Stress

A little bit of stress can help motivate us to get things done and move forward. It may even feel invigorating. When stress becomes chronic and severe it can wreak havoc in our minds and bodies. As scientists have recently discovered, some of this damage is permanent.

The scary thing about stress physical symptoms is that the serious problems can go unnoticed for a long time. We aren't aware of what is happening inside our bodies. When a resulting illness does strike years down the road, we fail to make the connection between the effects of stress and illness.

Most of us greatly underestimate the amount of dis-stress we endure, along with the negative side effects that develop immediately and over time. We are so accustomed to carrying tension in our bodies and minds that we aren't even consciously aware of it.

Of course, some stress signs are immediately obvious. Attune to these signals so you can quickly and easily relieve them.

Stress Physical Symptoms

Your heart beats faster and your breathing may be more rapid and shallow. Conversely, you may notice that if you were to take a conscious deep breath, it almost feels like you were holding or limiting your breath. Letting it out is a relief. This is a great test to see if you are stressed right now and don't realize it.

Muscles feel tense. The palms of your hands become sweaty. Some people crave carbohydrates which provide the body with fast energy. Others reach for alcohol or drugs.

Some people feel irritable or get indigestion. You may feel light-headed, have a dry mouth or an unexplained bout of diarrhea or constipation. Perhaps you don't sleep that night because you are "hyped".

You become more alert and focused on your problem or the task at hand. Some people become "addicted" to the adrenaline rush because it gives them a burst of energy and feels exhilarating. This physical symptom of stress feels good so you are tempted to keep up stressful behaviors. Don't be fooled. It ultimately leads to "burnout" and other negative long-term health effects.

Long-term Mental and Physical Symptoms of Stress

Being in the stress response loop requires a great deal of energy. Most of us have enough energy reserves to meet short-term demands. When stress is prolonged, or chronic, which is often the case in our modern world, we use up our reserves and feel exhausted. Energy that is needed for health and cell repair is redirected to deal with stress. This takes a huge toll on our health and well-being.

Health problems include obesity, gastro-intestinal disorders, sleep disturbances and chronic pain. Continuous and repeated stress can lead to anxiety, depression, irritable bowel syndrome and recurring headaches. Some people develop back pain and other general aches and pains. Others lose interest in sex or have other sexual problems.

Stress can slow recovery from surgery or illness, compromise your immune system and lower blood flow to the heart. For some individuals this can be as dangerous as smoking cigarettes.

Another long-term physical symptom of stress is that the number of cells in the primary memory center of your brain decrease, causing memory loss and impaired learning. The brain isn't the only part of the body to age more rapidly under the effects of stress. New research shows that our cells age faster. When our immune systems are compromised by this damage, we are more susceptible to disease.

Over time, the adrenal glands become exhausted under the constant demand to pump out more adrenaline and cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels are responsible for many of the health problems related to stress and illness.

Oxidative stress occurs when the available supply of the body's antioxidants can't keep pace with the amount of free radicals taken in or being produced by the body. This leads to cell damage, cell mutations and immune system compromise.

Psychological, emotional and physical stress all increase free radical production. Hormones are released and metabolism speeds up as part of the stress response.

Drugs, chemicals, smog, cigarette smoke, excessive sugar and super-heated vegetable fats all add to stress to the body. Excessive sugar consumption increases a fat known as triglycerides. This fat is susceptible to free radical damage. When damaged, it can cause problems in the arteries.

As you can see, the physical symptoms of stress affect every part of the body. Short-term, occasional feelings of stress can help us be more productive and focused. Chronic stress, so prevalent in the modern world, seriously affects our physical and mental well-being. Some of this damage is irreversible.

Take that deep breath right now. Check in with your mind and body often for stress signs. If you are are experiencing physical symptoms of stress, spend some time exploring the Natural Stress Relief Primer for techniques that will benefit you.

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