What are the effects of stress on your body, and how can you manage stress symptoms?

We talked last month about the runway to burnout, which begins with stress. But what is stress? What does our natural stress response do to our physical and emotional health? And how can you manage your stress so that you don't find yourself burning out? 

Let's talk about what stress may do to you and how you can manage your stress in a balanced way. 

Why do we stress?

Stress is a normal and natural response to life's challenges. Our body is designed to experience stress - it is its way of helping us react quickly to threats. 

Our ancestors needed it to react quickly to threats (like that lion is going to eat you). In our modern world, the stressors have changed—deadlines, traffic, financial pressures—but our bodies still react as if we're being chased down by a lion.

When we encounter stress, our brains release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. This response is helpful in short bursts - for example, have you ever had a big project due and had that adrenaline to push through and get it done? Stress can also push us to perform at our best in challenging situations.

However, when stress becomes chronic, it can lead to a constant state of alertness that wears down our bodies and minds.

How does stress affect your body?

Our bodies can be smarter than we give them credit for. When we find ourselves in chronic states of continued stress, our bodies will find adaptations. It will find a way to work around it. 

Think of it like a muscle. Say you pull a muscle. The muscle might seize to protect you from doing more damage. But that spasm and that seizing is going to cause more pain and inflammation. Your body's doing what it naturally needs to do to protect you can also cause more damage.

It's the same with stress. Our body is going to try and adapt to this constant state of stress.  It's going to put us in fight or flight mode, whether it's a child's tantrum, a missed train, or an actual threat. Over time, this constant state of alertness can lead to changes in our physiology and serious health problems.

Stress causes physical symptoms that include cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, muscle tension, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. It's not just our physical health. Stress affects our emotional health too, leading to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments.

Stress management: how to avoid chronic stress symptoms

Since acute stress can have negative effects on your body and mind, doesn't it make sense to just avoid stress? 

Sure, if we can, but that isn't always possible. We might have stress effects arising from situations that are out of our control, from the death of someone we care about to unexpected job loss. While we can't always avoid stress, we can learn to manage our response to stress. 

First, let's talk about exercise. It's no secret that regular physical activity can do wonders for your mood and energy levels. Whether you prefer a heart-pumping run, a quiet yoga session, or even a fun dance class, getting your body moving helps release those feel-good endorphins and can significantly reduce stress.

Next, let's talk about what you're eating. When you're nourished properly, you're better equipped to handle stress without feeling run down.

Finally, let's talk about what you do to recharge your batteries. Few problems aren't made more manageable when you've had a good night's sleep. We also recharge by creating moments of mindfulness and bringing ourselves back to the present moment. 

Finding time for activities you love is also vital. Whether it's painting, reading, gardening, or even kickboxing, engaging in hobbies can be a fantastic way to unwind and let go of stress. Doing something purely for enjoyment can provide a much-needed mental break and help you feel more balanced.

The point is that stress and energy need to go somewhere, and for the sake of your physical and mental health, you cannot afford to ignore them.  Because it will come out somewhere. 

Stress can affect anyone, but you don't need to do it alone. 

Our lives are stressful. We have a lot going on. 

But we get to decide how stressed we will be. Will we be occasionally stressed when the occasion calls for it? Or will stress be part of our day-to-day, as constant as breathing? 

Chronic stress can lead to so many problems, so it's vital to recognize the signs early on and have support. 

With the Energized Mom Method, we look at your life as a whole and the role stress plays in your daily routine. We talk about how to cope with stress, to rediscover joy and to step into being the next-level version of yourself. We take the stress out of making healthier choices by choosing long-term and sustainable strategies to incorporate into your everyday life. 

This method focuses on creating balance, building resilience, and fostering a sense of well-being that allows you to thrive, even in the face of life's inevitable challenges. By addressing stress as it impacts your entire life, we help you develop practical tools and techniques to manage it effectively, ensuring that you can be more energized and fulfilled.

Remember, you have the power to manage stress. By tuning into your body, embracing simple rituals, and making conscious choices, you can take control of your stress and improve your overall well-being.

Want to talk about how your stress can be more manageable? Let's have a breakthrough call today to get started on your stress management plan today!