The Hidden Toll of Stress on Your Health

Let’s talk about something sneaky, powerful, and surprisingly common—stress. It’s that feeling when your to-do list feels like a novel, your brain is running marathons, and your body? Well, it’s waving a little white flag.

Here’s the truth: Stress doesn’t just sit in your head; it likes to wreak havoc throughout your entire body. As an occasional stress victim myself, I want to share how stress plays its tricks, what it does to your health, and of course how to fight back. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Stress 101: What Happens Under the Hood

When stress shows up, your body goes into survival mode or sympathetic mode, your heart races, muscles tense, and stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline flood your system. It’s fine for short bursts (like if you're running from a bear), but when stress hangs around too long, it can cause problems.

Here’s what stress does to your body:

Your Brain: Chronic stress can cause inflammation affecting mood and memory. It also reduces neuroplasticity (your brain's ability to evolve and learn).

Your Heart: High levels of cortisol from long-term stress can increase blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Increasing your risk of heart disease

Your Immune System: Stress makes your body more vulnerable to colds, flu, and infections by turning down your immune defenses thanks to cortisol increasing inflammation.

Your Belly: Stress puts you into a sympathetic state (fight and flight), leading to a decrease in digestion, and motility. 

Your Muscles: Ever feel tight shoulders after a stressful day? That’s your body bracing for impact. Inflammation from chronic stress can leave the muscle sore, tense and spasming. 

But here’s the good news: Stress isn’t invincible. With a few clever strategies, you can give it the boot and protect your health.

Take Back the Wheel

Stress might be persistent, but you’re stronger. Here are a few quick ways you can reduce your stress.

Take a 5-minute breather—try slow deep belly breaths to slow your heart rate and blood pressure.

Move your body!— A brisk walk, going to the gym or yoga can reset your stress levels.

Get your sleep—your brain and body recover during this time, they will thank you.

Write it down— My personal favorite, I often find journaling helps me see the problem for what it is so I can overcome it!

Laugh— Laughing is medicine for the soul, it helps get oxygen rich blood to your body. This can improve immunity and decrease stress at the same time! 

There are many more ways to handle stress, just make sure your using positive methods. All too often people resort to bad habits for stress reduction like smoking, drinking, or over eating bad food.

If stress is weighing you down, let’s tackle it together. Send me a quick message and we can explore how to find a positive way to reduce your stress.

Remember, your health is your superpower—and managing stress is your secret weapon. Let’s conquer it one mindful breath at a time, and remember to embrace stress it is often when we make the biggest growth in our lives. 

Stay healthy and see you next week,

Dr. Wesley

Your Friendly Wellness Expert

P.S. Got a stress story or a favorite relaxation hack? Hit reply—I’d love to hear it!