The Effects of Stress on Your Body
The Effects of Stress on Your Body
This Is Your Body on Stress
The end-of-year rush, new schedules, and daily demands can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Stress begins to build in your body, affecting the delicate balance of your systems. You might think you can just tough it out and “push through.”
Spoiler alert: You can’t—at least not for very long.
Stress isn’t just in your head. It’s a full-body response hardwired into your system to keep you safe and alive. Let’s explore how stress affects your body, how you can use it to your advantage, and what to do to prevent it from running your life.
Main Body
Stress: A Double-Edged Sword
Stress isn’t all bad. In fact, stress has been key to human survival. When your ancestors faced threats—from predators to food scarcity—their bodies unleashed a surge of energy to help them stay safe. That same wiring remains with us today, but our stressors have changed. Instead of outrunning bears, we’re juggling work, family, and deadlines.
When stress becomes constant, it can have a major impact on your health.
What Happens to Your Body During Stress?
Let’s walk through a stressful scenario:
Imagine you’re preparing for a life-changing job interview scheduled for 8 a.m. Tuesday. The morning of, you wake up at 7:15 a.m. because your alarm didn’t go off. Cue the stress response!
Behind the Scenes
- Your eyes send the message to your brain’s amygdala, which interprets the emergency.
- The amygdala sends a distress signal to your hypothalamus, the command center for your autonomic nervous system.
- The autonomic nervous system—responsible for involuntary functions like heart rate and breathing—flips into high gear.
It’s divided into two parts:
- Sympathetic Nervous System (“The Gas Pedal”): Floods your body with energy to respond to danger.
- Parasympathetic Nervous System (“The Brake”): Calms you down after the danger passes.
In response to the alarm, your sympathetic nervous system triggers your adrenal glands to release adrenaline (epinephrine). Here’s what happens next:
- Heart rate increases to pump blood to muscles and organs.
- Breathing speeds up, allowing more oxygen to reach your brain and sharpen your senses.
- Stored fuel (blood sugar and fat) is released to power your body.
All of this happens before you’ve even fully registered the time.
As you spring into action, your body activates the HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands). This releases cortisol, keeping your body in “go mode” until the stress passes.
When you finally get into your car, your parasympathetic system steps in to calm you down.
The Long-Term Effects of Stress
Stress in short bursts can be helpful. It sharpens focus and gives you energy. But when stress becomes chronic, your body stays in overdrive, which can lead to:
- High blood pressure and damage to blood vessels, increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack.
- Hormonal imbalances, disrupting sleep, energy, and emotional health.
- Weakened immune system, leaving you more susceptible to illness.
- Unwanted weight-gain and hormonal body fat
Over time, constant stress can cause cellular and glandular damage, leading to long-term health issues.
How to De-Stress and Support Your Body
Managing stress doesn’t mean eliminating it—that’s impossible. Instead, focus on techniques to calm your body and trigger your parasympathetic system:
Take Breathing Breaks:
Sit quietly and focus on slow, deep breaths to calm your body and mind.
Get Outside:
A short walk in nature can work wonders for reducing stress.
Limit Technology:
Take a half-hour break from screens to reset your focus.
Listen to Music:
Play calming music to help lower your heart rate and relax your muscles.
Read a Book:
Unwind with a real book—it’s a simple way to shift your mindset.
Start Your Stress Recovery Journey
If stress feels like it’s controlling your life, it’s time to take action. My Glow Up Guide offers actionable steps to slow your stress response and regain control. Want more support? Join our community, “Exhausted to Exhilarated, Glow up at Midlife” and connect with women who are overcoming fatigue and emotional overwhelm.
Remember, you’re not alone. You have options to restore your energy and motivation to live the vibrant life you deserve.
Thoughtfully,
Tess, HHP, FDN-P, CFH, HTMA-MP
What Are Your Stress-Relieving Habits?
Do you have a favorite way to de-stress? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
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