10 Effects of Stress on Your Body

10 The Effect of Stress on Your Physical Well-Being

Stress is part of everyone's daily existence. There are many different sources (work, relationships, finances, and health) and types of stress. At lower levels, stress provides the body with the energy and focus to stay active. However, extreme or excessive stress can negatively affect your mental and physical health.

This article provides you with a straightforward overview of the various impacts that stress has on the body.



What is Stress? 

Stress refers to the body's response to external or internal pressure; when we experience stress, our bodies produce hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine, which prepare us to react quickly to threats.

The problems are created when we are exposed to long periods of stress. 


1. The Impact of Stress on the Brain and Mental Health 

Stress affects the way our brains function. Examples of what might happen to us include:

Difficulties concentrating on tasks

  • Memory lapses
  • Being overwhelmed
  • Experiencing high levels of anxiety or panic
  • Feeling "blue," or sad
  • Inability to make decisions or choices

When someone has had a prolonged period of stress, we tend to become mentally fatigued or "boarded" from overuse. 

2. The Effects of Stress on Headaches and Migraines  

Headaches are a common physical symptom of stress. Symptoms of headaches that could occur as a result of stress include:

  • Tightness/fatigue around the head
  • Pain/tenderness in neck/shoulder areas
  • Frequent migraines

The muscles that are typically tense on the neck and upper back become tense due to stress, causing pain or discomfort in the areas listed above.

3. Stress Can Harm Your Immune System

Chronic stress has been shown to reduce your ability to combat infections and disease.

Signs that you may be suffering from chronic stress include:

  • Being sick frequently
  • Having slow recovery periods after illness
  • Consumer fatigue

Chronic stress occurs because the levels of cortisol (primary hormone) decrease your body's ability to create T-cells (cells responsible for the destruction of viruses, bacteria, and fungi).

4. STRESS CAN AFFECT THE HEART AND BLOOD PRESSURE

Stress can have negative impacts on your heart.

Stress can cause:

  • A Faster Heart Rate
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Increased Risk of Heart Disease
  • Feelings of Discomfort in Your Chest

Stress causes your heart to work harder than it typically would for extended periods of time, and it may cause damage to your heart over the long term.

5. STRESS AFFECTS DIGESTION

Stress can be a major factor affecting our intestinal systems (stomach/intestines). Many people experience common digestive issues as a result of stress, which include:

  • Stomach Aches
  • Bloating
  • Heartburn/Acid Reflux
  • Diarrhea/Constipation
  • Increased Appetite/Loss of Appetite

Stress can alter how the digestive system functions.

6. STRESS CAUSES TIGHTENING OF MUSCLES

When we are under stress, our muscles tend to be tense and contracted.

Some common areas that get tight are:

  • The Neck
  • Shoulders
  • Back
  • Jaw

If stress persists, we may begin to develop chronic pain and stiffness in these areas.

7. STRESS MAY DISRUPT SLEEP

Sleep is critical for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, however, chronic stress often disrupts our ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Some common sleep issues caused by stress include:

  • Difficulty Getting to Sleep
  • Waking During the Night
  • Having Bitterness Toward Sleep
  • Tiredness When Waking Up

The lack of sufficient sleep can create more stress, which creates a cycle.

8. STRESS AFFECTS WEIGHT REGULATION

Stress can alter your metabolism and eating habits.

Possible effects of stress on weight include:

  • Emotional Eating causing Weight Gain
  • Loss of Appetite causing Weight Loss
  • Sugar/Fat Cravings

Hormones produced during stress have an impact on appetite, as well as storing fat.

9. Stress Affects Your Skin and Hair

Stress is often reflected in your skin through the following signs:

  • Frequent breakouts
  • Dry, itchy or flaky skin
  • Hair loss/thinning
  • Worsening of eczema or skin condition
  • Stress inhibits skin repair and inhibits hair growth.

10. Stress Affects Your Energy and Hormonal Balance

Stress changes hormone levels in your body, therefore, you are likely to:

  • Feel fatigued constantly
  • Have low energy
  • Be less motivated to do anything
  • Experience hormonal imbalances

Over time, these factors can lead to significant negative health consequences.


Stress will always be a part of life and never go away forever. Nevertheless, the effects of chronic stress can be detrimental and can negatively impact many aspects of your body: Brain, Heart, Stomach, and Skin.

Fortunately, you can manage stress using healthy habits such as:

  • Regular Exercise
  • Adequate Sleep
  • Deep Breathing
  • Talking to a Trusted Friend/Relative
  • Taking Breaks and Giving Yourself Time to Relax and Recharge

To be healthy and happy, you must manage your stress.

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