What Is Stress and What Causes It?

Stress is the body’s natural response to pressures, demands, or threats. This response, often referred to as the “fight or flight” reaction, involves a series of physiological changes such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, rapid breathing, and heightened mental alertness. While these changes can be helpful in dangerous situations, prolonged or chronic stress can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health.

Stress triggers, also known as stressors, are unique to each individual and can range from major life events like losing a job or the death of a loved one to daily hassles such as traffic congestion or work deadlines. Some stressors are external, stemming from the environment or social situations, while others are self-imposed, often relating to personal expectations or perceptions. Understanding what causes stress is the first step to managing it.

What Are the Physical Effects of Stress?

Stress can manifest physically in a number of ways:

First, stress often affects the cardiovascular system, leading to increased heart rate and high blood pressure.

Stress can also lead to abnormal changes in the digestive system, causing problems such as acid reflux, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers.

Muscular tension, another common physical reaction to stress, can result in aches and pains throughout the body.

It’s also not uncommon for stress to trigger changes in the integumentary system (skin, hair, and nails), resulting in conditions like acne, psoriasis, and hair loss.

Lastly, chronic stress can compromise the immune system’s ability to fight off pathogens, making you more susceptible to infections and illness.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Stress?

Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can suppress your immune system, upset your digestive and reproductive systems, increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, speed up the aging process, and even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Health problems related to stress include high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Your odds of experiencing these outcomes, however, largely depends on how you manage stress. Effective stress management strategies can reduce your risk.

How Can You Prevent Stress?

To prevent stress, it’s crucial to take a well-rounded, holistic approach. Consider the following strategies for stress-management:

Regular physical activity can reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood-boosters.

A healthy diet filled with nutrient-dense foods can provide the necessary fuel for your body and mind to tackle stress effectively.

Quality sleep should not be overlooked, as it allows your body to recover and respond better to stress.

Techniques such as mindfulness and meditation can help you maintain a calm, centered mindset.

Establishing a strong social support network can be invaluable for preventing stress..

Learning to identify and modify unhelpful thinking patterns can be a powerful stress-management strategy.

Lastly, seeking social support or professional help can provide the perspective and coping mechanisms you need to manage stress effectively.

Get Health & Wellness Guidance from The Sanctuary

Working with a health and wellness coach from The Sanctuary Wellness Institute is an investment in your overall well-being. One of our coaches can help you identify the physical, emotional, and mental impacts of stress on your body and create a personalized wellness plan you can use to address and prevent stress.

Our coaches provide guidance regarding diet, exercise, sleep, and more, all aimed at improving your overall health and enabling you to sustain good habits. A health and wellness coach can be your ally in your journey towards a healthier, less stressful life.