How Stress Can Affect More Than Your Mental Health
Stress—it’s that invisible force we all experience but don’t always see coming. One day you’re fine, and the next, your body feels like it’s fighting back. But stress doesn’t just mess with your head; it messes with your body too. Whether it’s sudden breakouts, stomach problems, or headaches that make you want to scream, stress has a way of leaving its mark in some pretty annoying ways. Today we’re exploring just how stress impacts your physical health—because trust me, it’s doing more than you think!
Before we start, let me give you a picture of what stress can look like, from the both outside and the inside.
Recently stress has hit me… and hit me hard. I’m breaking out, red spots all over my face – which is something I’ve not dealt with, well, since deep into my ED when I wasn’t taking care of myself – and the same is happening now. Stress has a way to creep inside your mind and force out any other thought, and this may just be dark, impulsive thoughts of OCD, but I’m guessing you’ve been there too with stress, right? I’ve not been taking care of myself, as usually work and productivity come before self-care – but isn’t self-care the most productive, most long-term support for our future self we can give?
So, as well as on my face, stress has been creeping up in all other places: weight loss, bloating, greasier and duller hair, headaches, back pain and tense shoulders, and a whole lot more.
Please tell me you’ve also been in this position before! And if not, well, I have some helpful tips below if you get to this point too – or just before you get to this point! Remember to take care of yourself before your body takes the brunt of it.
1. Stress and Your Skin: Breakouts, Wrinkles, and More
First up, your skin. Stress loves to show up on your face—literally. Ever noticed a breakout right before a big event or after a long, stressful day? That’s because stress hormones (looking at you, cortisol) can cause your skin to produce more oil, which leads to clogged pores and spots and breakouts. It’s like your skin’s version of a temper tantrum.
But wait, there’s more. Stress can also fast-track those fine lines and wrinkles. When you’re constantly stressed, your skin’s repair process slows down, which means aging can happen quicker. So if you’ve spotted a wrinkle you swear wasn’t there last week, stress might be the culprit.
Quick Tip: Keep your skin hydrated, make time for a little self-care, and try not to stress about the stress (easier said than done, right?).
2. Gut Instincts: How Stress Messes with Your Digestive System
You know that feeling when you’re super stressed, and suddenly, your stomach is all over the place? Yeah, that’s not just in your head. Stress can wreak havoc on your digestive system, causing anything from bloating to cramps to even Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) flare-ups. Your gut and brain are BFFs—what happens up top often affects what’s going on down below.
Picture this: You’re about to give a big presentation, and your stomach feels like it’s doing somersaults. That’s because stress signals to your gut, making it go haywire. Long-term stress can even affect how well you digest food, leading to more serious issues like heartburn or indigestion.
Stress can also have some long-term impacts on your gut health, so make sure your prioritising self-care and stress-reduction techniques in your daily routine.
Quick Fix: Take care of your gut with probiotics, fibre-rich foods, and some mindful breathing to calm things down.
3. Headaches: Stress is Literally a Pain in the Head
Ever feel like your brain is screaming at you after a long day? That’s because stress and headaches are basically tied together. Tension headaches are super common when you’re stressed, especially if you’re hunching over a desk or spending too much time on screens. And for some people, stress can even trigger migraines, which are the worst.
When you’re stressed, your muscles tense up (hello, stiff shoulders!), and this tension can creep up into your head, causing that familiar throbbing pain. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Enough already!”
Pro Tip: Combat stress headaches by staying hydrated, taking breaks to stretch, and reducing screen time. And don’t forget self-care! Your brain will thank you.
4. Stress and Your Immune System: Colds, Coughs, and Feeling Run-Down
Ever notice how you always seem to get sick after a big project or stressful event? It’s no coincidence. Stress actually weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off colds, the flu, or any other pesky viruses floating around. When you’re constantly stressed, your body’s defences drop, leaving you more vulnerable to getting sick. When you finally finish a tenuous task or big event, your body gives in, leaving you feel weak and even ill for a longer period of time than usual.
So, if you find yourself reaching for tissues or cough drops after a stressful week, your immune system is probably waving a little white flag.
Immune Boost: Give your body a fighting chance by making time for rest, eating a balanced diet, and yes—finding a little “me time.”
5. Stress Can Affect Your Sleep: Hello, Restless Nights
If you’ve ever lain awake at night worrying about something, you’re not alone. Stress has a way of sneaking into your sleep schedule, causing restless nights or even insomnia. It’s like a vicious cycle—stress keeps you up, lack of sleep makes you more stressed, and repeat. Ugh!
When you’re stressed, your body’s natural sleep cycle gets thrown off, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. And if you’re stressed about not sleeping? That just adds another layer to the madness.
What’s more is that this is all connected to the other points mentioned. Sleep is vital for all bodily processes, including skin repair, gut health, immune health and just about every other action your body takes on a daily basis.
Sleep Hacks: Create a wind-down routine before bed, cut back on late-night screen time, and try some light meditation to calm your mind. Your future well-rested self will thank you.
Stress Happens, But You Can Fight Back!
Look, stress is a part of life. It happens to all of us, and sometimes, it feels like it’s taking over. But the good news is, there are ways to manage it. From practicing mindfulness to taking better care of your skin, gut, and immune system, you have the power to fight back against stress’s physical effects.
Remember: You’ve got this! Take care of your body, and it will take care of you—even when stress tries to mess things up.
How do you cope with stress? Share your tips in the comments below!
P.S. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like stress is taking over, it’s always okay to reach out for support. Whether it’s talking to a friend or seeking professional help, you don’t have to deal with it alone!
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