Six Effects of Stress on the Body

Stress... the silent killer and the predominant demon in many of our lives because it's nearly impossible to avoid in this day and age, humph.

Of course some stress is healthy and needed for survival. But we're talking about chronic stress. The always stressed mentality. The "I need to feel stressed in order to feel productive" lifestyle. The waking up and thinking "I have so much to do with so little time" or "it's already the first of the month?! Ugh bills bills bills."

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Stress can consume us. And it's not until we realize and admit our stress that we can then choose to let some of it go.

Here are six ways that stress can affect you that you may not have realized:

1. Gastrointestinal (gut) health

Are you unusually bloated or having digestion issues? Stress can be a major contributor. Stress disrupts our digestion and can cause bloating, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, constipation or stomach ache.

2. Immune health

Stress can increase cortisol levels in the body. Elevated cortisol negatively impacts our immune cells that fight sickness.

3. Inflammation

Stress causes an inflammatory response in the body. This can present as skin conditions, allergies, asthma, joint or muscle pain, and more.

4. Heart Health

Chronically high cortisol levels from stress can lead to increased blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides. Elevated levels can increase your risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.

5. Diabetes

Stress can inhibit insulin production, further complicating diabetes.

6. Epilepsy

Stress may trigger a seizure in individuals with epilepsy.

Here are some symptoms of stress:

1. Changes in appetite

2. Change in weight, including weight loss or difficulty losing fat, especially in the belly

3. A loss of interest in things that used to bring you joy

4. Feeling tired or lethargic, or a general sense of 'blahhh'

5. Sadness, guilt, anxiousness, irritability, etc

Here's a parting reminder:

Of course it's not that easy to just be stress-free. But a reminder that life can be simple in the sense that you choose how to fight your battles. Rather than allowing something to consume and overwhelm you, take a breath and handle the situation gently. Take your time, remember that life is a journey - ride the wave, accept all experiences without labeling them good or bad, stay calm, be adaptable and remember that every situation will pass. Don't bite off more than you can chew. Simplify. Live minimally. Be proud of your decisions and excited to challenge yourself to be better and better every day, without pressure or expectation to be anything or anybody. Welcome adventure. Erase your conditioning. Know that money will always come and go. The heart will heal. The next will present itself - the next promotion, relationship, opportunity, challenge. Your thoughts are powerful so keep them positive and reassure yourself that things will always always be ok, even if it doesn't feel like it in the moment.

I believe in you. You're amazing.

Steph