How Stress Effects Your Body

There are six systems in your body that are affected by stress according to Stress.org.  If any of these systems came under duress, life would be difficult. But as anyone who has struggled with extreme stress can attest, typically more than one system is affected during periods of extreme stress.[7]
 

1. Nervous System: When physically or psychologically stressed, your body moves into “fight or flight” mode. It shifts all resources to fight the perceived threat. Your adrenal glands release adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones make your heart beat faster, increase your blood pressure, digestion slows down, and glucose levels in your blood rise.
2. Musculoskeletal System: When stressed, your muscles tense up. When this happens for extended periods of time, it could result in headaches, migraines, and nerve damage. I have personally lost feeling in my hands due to excessive muscle tension caused by stress.
3. Respiratory System: When stressed, you may experience heavier breathing, which can lead to hyperventilation or to a panic attack. If you have not experienced a panic attack, it feels like there is an elephant sitting on your chest and you can’t get it off! I hope you have never experienced this sensation.
4. Cardiovascular System: When stressed repeatedly, episodes of extreme stress can cause inflammation in the coronary arteries and this is thought to potentially lead to heart attacks.
5. Endocrine System: When stressed, your brain triggers the release of cortisol and epinephrine, which are know as the “stress hormones.” As a result, your liver produces extra glucose that can be damaging.
6. Gastrointestinal System: When stressed, your body may crave more food, digest less nutrients, cause diarrhea, constipation, or even vomiting.  

 
While you may not experience all of these symptoms, we know from statistical research that 77% of the population has experienced at least one of these challenging effects of stress.  A little stress every now and then is not something to be concerned about. Ongoing, chronic stress, however, can cause or exacerbate many serious health problems. Dr. Ernesto L. Schiffrin, M.D., Ph.D of the American Heart Association said that “When stress is excessive, it can contribute to everything from high blood pressure…to asthma to ulcers to irritable bowel syndrome”[8] My research says we also need to include:

• ​Cardiovascular disease
  
• Obesity
  
• Abnormal heart rhythms
  
• Heart disease
  
• Sexual dysfunction
  
• Heart attacks
  
• Gastritis
  
• Acne
• Mental health issues

Clearly stress has a devastating on our bodies if not managed correctly.  In my experience, building a simple daily plan can help relieve some of impact of stress.

Jay

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This is an exert from Jay's new book entitled Conquer Worry -How To Build A Simple Daily System To Reduce Stress 

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Jay Coulter is an author, keynote speaker and mental health coach. He is the author of Conquer Worry - How To Build A Simple Daily System To Reduce Stress. He is also the founder of ConquerWorry.org™. The platform is a volunteer run organization dedicated to inspiring, educating and advocating for those who struggle with their mental health. ConquerWorry™ has almost 150,000 social media followers and we would love to have you in our community which can be found online and on most social media platforms.

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[7] “Ways the Body Reacts to Stress,” Last modified 2011, http://www.stress.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/GR2007012200620.jpg.
[8] “Stress and Heart Health,” Last modified 2014, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/StressManagement/HowDoesStressAffectYou/Stress-and-Heart-Health_UCM_437370_Article.jsp?appName%3DMobileApp&sa=D&ust=1460995209781000&usg=AFQjCNGMmUQTV8MMQ4xjLCycOjtRUoQmUQ