Stress—it’s a universal human experience that no one can completely avoid. From the pressure of an important work deadline to preparing for a scheduled exam, stress is a natural reaction to the changes and challenges of daily life. While small doses of stress can be motivating, chronic or overwhelming stress has a profound impact, and understanding the effects of stress on both your mind and body is the first step toward managing it effectively.
When your body produces a physical or emotional reaction to a specific event, that is the bodily response to stress, often known as the “fight-or-flight” mechanism. This system floods your body with hormones to help you face a perceived threat. While this response is designed for short-term survival, the constant pressures of modern life can keep it activated, leading to a wide range of symptoms that can sneak up on us unexpectedly.
It’s crucial to recognize these signs because while stress itself cannot be avoided, its harmful effects can be managed with healthy strategies. To help you identify when stress may be taking a toll, here are some common signs to pay attention to that may be your body’s response.
Physical Signs of Stress
Stress hormones are the same hormones as those that trigger your body’s “fight or flight” response. You may notice your heart rate start to increase, your breath begins to quicken, and your muscles suddenly tense. This is your body’s physical response to stress.
While some symptoms may be more commonly recognized, there are various other signs that indicate you may be under extreme stress. Some of these signs include:
- Headaches.
- Heartburn.
- Stomach aches.
- High blood pressure.
- Insomnia.
- Weakened immune system.
- Challenges with fertility.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to reassess the stress you are currently facing and how to manage those feelings with healthy coping mechanisms. Seeking medical attention from a healthcare provider and participating in therapy is highly recommended to maintain your overall well-being.
Emotional Signs of Stress
When your body responds to stress, the symptoms are not always physical. Often, stress can feel impossible to handle and put a strain on our mental state. If you experience any emotional signs of stress, it may be an indication to reduce some of the stressful factors in your life to allow yourself to live happier and healthier.
Some of the emotional signs of stress include:
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
- Irritability.
- Memory and concentration problems.
- Low libido.
- Compulsive behavior.
- Mood swings.
Coping with Stress
Stress is a common trigger for people in recovery and often can cause relapse. That is why finding the tools that work best for you to reduce your stress is a crucial step.
There are numerous tools and techniques to help you manage your stress levels to maintain a healthy life. Exercise, mindfulness meditation, yoga, and even stress-reducing apps for your phone have all shown positive results in managing high levels of stress.
At Cedar Oaks Wellness Center, our programs are designed to meet each individual’s specific needs. This includes identifying triggers and teaching techniques to help you make healthy decisions.
If you are struggling with addiction and are experiencing extreme amounts of stress, contact us online or call (513) 780-5201 to receive the care you need.
