Negative Impacts of Stress on Your Physical Health

Here are some of the negative impacts that stress can have on your body.

April is Stress Awareness Month and, as the name indicates, this month is all about raising awareness for the health implications associated with stress.  While stress obviously compromises your mental and emotional wellbeing, you may be surprised to learn that stress can also have physical consequences as well.   Here are some of the negative impacts that stress can have on your body.

• Muscle Tension

When you are stressed, your muscles tense up as a reflex reaction.  When you are in a state of chronic stress, then your muscles remain tense for long periods of time.  This, in turn, can lead to other physical ailments.  For instance, constant muscle tension can lead to headaches and migraines, neck and back problems, and chronic pain conditions.

• Respiratory Problems

Stress and other strong emotions can cause respiratory issues such as shortness of breath and rapid breathing (hyperventilation).  While these issues normally aren't debilitating for healthy individuals, those with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD can experience more intense respiratory problems.

• Cardiovascular Concerns

When your body reacts to stress, your heart rate increases, adrenaline levels spike, and your blood vessels widen to increase blood flow.  When you experience prolonged periods of stress, it can wreak havoc on your heart and blood vessels.  For instance, it can increase your chances of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.

• Gastrointestinal Issues

Oftentimes, stress or nerves can result in "butterflies" in your stomach.  However, then you remain in a constant state of stress, then this fluttering in your stomach becomes a more serious issue.  For instance, stress can lead to stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and other digestive issues. These are some of the negative impacts that stress can have on your body.  This Stress Awareness Month, take care of yourself by doing your best to manage your stress levels.  Want to remove one major area of stress?  Then contact the experts at Fuller Insurance Agency in Southern California for the easy, stress-free insurance experience that you deserve.  Our dedicated team is eager to assist you with all your coverage needs today.