How Stress Messes With Your Body (And What to Do About It!)
We all know stress isn’t great, but did you know your body reacts to stress like you’re being chased by a bear—even if the "bear" is just your overflowing inbox or that awkward text you sent? Yep, stress isn’t just in your head—it affects your whole body.
Let’s break down how stress impacts different parts of you and what you can do to keep it from taking over!
Stress and Your Body: A Head-to-Toe Takeover
🧠 Brain: Stress can shrink your hippocampus (the part of your brain responsible for memory). Ever walked into a room and forgotten why you’re there? Blame stress!
Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can impair decision-making and emotional regulation. No wonder we make questionable late-night online purchases when we’re overwhelmed!
❤️ Heart: Stress can raise your blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. Your heart doesn’t like it when you’re constantly in fight-or-flight mode!
Studies show that people with high-stress jobs have a 23% increased risk of heart disease. (So yes, taking a break is good for your heart!)
🍔 Gut: Ever get "butterflies" in your stomach before a big event? That’s stress talking! Stress can cause bloating, indigestion, and even make you crave junk food.
90% of serotonin (your feel-good neurotransmitter) is produced in your gut! So, a stressed stomach can mean a stressed mood.
💪 Muscles & Joints: Stress makes your muscles tighten up (hello, neck and back pain!). Long-term stress can lead to chronic pain and tension headaches.
If you constantly feel like you’ve been hit by a truck, it might not be your mattress—it could be stress!
🛌 Sleep: Stress and sleep don’t mix well. Racing thoughts? Middle-of-the-night wake-ups? Stress is likely the culprit.
35% of adults report getting less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep due to stress.
How to Manage and Reduce Stress
The good news? You don’t have to let stress take over your body like an uninvited guest! Here’s how to kick it to the curb:
✅ Acknowledge It: The first step to managing stress is recognizing when it’s creeping in. Pay attention to tension in your body, your thoughts, and changes in mood.
✅ Move Your Body: Exercise helps burn off excess stress hormones. Whether it’s a walk, yoga, or dancing in your kitchen, get moving!
✅ Deep Breathing & Mindfulness: Your nervous system loves deep breaths. Try box breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4—repeat!
✅ Fuel Your Body Right: Ditch the stress-eating snacks (well, most of them) and fuel up with nutrient-dense foods that support mood and energy.
✅ Prioritize Sleep: A bedtime routine and limiting screen time before bed can help your brain wind down.
✅ Self-Care & Problem-Solving: Stress often comes from things feeling out of control. What small, actionable steps can you take to problem-solve? And don’t forget—self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary!
Bottom Line: Stress is sneaky, but you don’t have to let it run the show. Take care of your mind and body, and remember your well-being matters more than your to-do list!
Feeling overwhelmed? Let’s work through it together. TDT Counseling Services is here to help