How do I know if I am stressed?

I guess we all know by now that stress is a natural response to challenging or threatening situations, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can take a toll on both our mental and physical well-being. Understanding the physiological effects of stress on the body is crucial in comprehending its impact and finding effective ways to manage it. I’ll take a look at the mental effects in another article.

When we experience stress, whether it's due to work pressures, relationship issues, or other factors, our body initiates a series of physiological responses. One of the primary systems involved in this response is the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. When we encounter stress, the sympathetic nervous system, a branch of the autonomic nervous system, triggers the "fight or flight" response.

During this "fight or flight" response, several physiological changes occur in the body. For example, the adrenal glands, down on our kidneys, release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. These hormones flood every cell in our body but we notice them as an increase in heart rate, raising our blood pressure, and giving a boost in our energy levels, all designed to prepare our body to confront or flee from the perceived, or indeed real, threat.

In the short term, this response can be beneficial, helping us react quickly to potential dangers. However, when stress becomes chronic, the continuous activation of the "fight or flight" response can have detrimental effects on various bodily systems.

One significant impact of chronic stress is its effect on cardiovascular health. Prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system and increased levels of stress hormones can lead to elevated blood pressure and a highly correlated heightened risk of heart disease. Additionally, stress can contribute to the development of unhealthy lifestyle habits such as overeating (particularly carbs and sweet things like chocolate), smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption, further exacerbating cardiovascular risks.

Moreover, chronic stress can compromise our immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. The prolonged release of stress hormones like cortisol can suppress immune function, impairing the body's ability to fight off pathogens. Consequently, individuals experiencing chronic stress may find themselves more prone to frequent colds, flu, and other infections.

Furthermore, stress can adversely affect gastrointestinal health as our digestive system is particularly sensitive to stress. Prolonged stress can lead to symptoms such as indigestion, stomach ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This occurs partly due to changes in gut motility and increased sensitivity to certain foods when under stress.

So, overall and in no way designed to worry you, stress exerts profound physiological effects on the body, impacting various systems including cardiovascular, immune, and digestive function. I’ll talk about the effects on mental health in a separate article. While acute stress responses are natural and adaptive, chronic stress can have serious consequences for overall well-being.

Finally, recognising these effects is essential for implementing effective stress management strategies and promoting long-term health and resilience, and something most of us find difficult to do. In many cases it’s our co-workers or family members that let us know. However, here’s an opportunity to take your awareness into your own hands. In the comments below is a link to take the Stress and Well-Being Assessment FOR FREE (what’s not to love about that price point?) to discover your current level of stress and if you need to pay attention to it.