Stress is a natural response to challenging or demanding situations. While occasional stress is a normal part of life, prolonged stress can have detrimental physical effects. Understanding how stress impacts the body can help you take steps to safely manage it and to enlist help from a doctor if needed. This guide helps you understand the impact of stress on the body. 

Common Causes of Stress 

Stress has many different points of origin. Some common ones include work-related pressures from tight deadlines, high workloads, or workplace conflicts, relationship difficulties in romantic or platonic partnerships, chronic or one-time health concerns, and financial difficulties from debt or a job loss. Past trauma can also cause stress responses in the body, even if the stressful events happened years ago. Major life changes, like moving, divorce, or the death of a loved one can also lead to stress. 

How Stress Affects the Body 

As your doctor will tell you, stress can affect both the body and the mind. Small amounts of stress usually won't have a lasting effect, but chronic stress can lead to a host of challenges. These include conditions that affect your heart such as high blood pressure and an increased heart rate. Stress also weakens the immune system, which increases your chances of getting sick. People with chronic stress commonly develop digestive issues as well, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), stomach ulcers, or acid reflux. 

Finally, stress impacts your mental health, as well. People living with chronic stress may struggle with focusing, emotional regulation, depression, burnout, and other related conditions. 

How to Manage Stress Each Day

Thankfully, there are effective ways to manage stress on a short-term basis. You can meditate, spend time in nature, and exercise to help relieve your body and mind. Further, many people find it effective to seek support from friends and family and to prioritize self-care by doing the activities they love. You might also find it useful to rearrange your schedule or reconsider your commitments to reduce your workload. Both small and large changes can significantly impact your stress levels. 

If you need help managing stress in your life, contact Chewelah Associated Physicians PS in Chewelah, WA. They can help you set up an appointment with a doctor so that you can get your stress levels under control. Give them a call at (509) 935-8711 to schedule an appointment or learn more about what they have to offer.