Stress and the body: how experiences affect our health

We tend to think of stress as something psychological-anxiety, tension, irritability. But our body and mind are inextricably linked. Emotional experiences directly affect the physiological processes in the body, and chronic stress can cause very real diseases. How exactly does this happen?
When we are faced with a stressful situation (real or imagined threat), our body triggers the ancient "fight or flight" reaction. Stress hormones are released – adrenaline and cortisol, which mobilize all resources: heart rate increases, blood pressure increases, muscles tighten, blood sugar levels rise. This is a useful reaction for short-term danger, but if stress becomes chronic, it begins to destroy us from the inside.
A blow to the systems: who suffers first?
Constantly elevated levels of cortisol and adrenaline wear down the cardiovascular system. This can lead to hypertension, arrhythmia, and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The heart is forced to work hard, the vessels lose their elasticity.
The immune system is also suffering. Cortisol suppresses its activity, making the body more vulnerable to infections, from common colds to more serious illnesses. Wound healing slows down, and chronic inflammatory processes and autoimmune diseases can worsen. A person begins to get sick more often, and the illnesses are more severe.
Digestion and nerves: a close connection
Stress directly affects the gastrointestinal tract. Cramps, impaired motility, changes in the acidity of gastric juice – all this can lead to gastritis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), heartburn, constipation or diarrhea. Appetite also changes: someone "eats up" stress, gaining excess weight, while someone, on the contrary, loses their appetite.
The nervous system is in constant overstrain. This is manifested not only in emotional instability (anxiety, depression, panic attacks), but also in physical symptoms: tension headaches, muscle tightness (especially in the neck and back), sleep problems (insomnia or constant drowsiness), chronic fatigue, decreased concentration and memory.
Other stress targets
Chronic stress can also affect other body systems. For example:
- The endocrine system. Hormone imbalance can lead to problems with the thyroid gland, menstrual cycle in women, and decreased libido.
- The skin. Stress can provoke or worsen skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and cause hair loss.
- Musculoskeletal system. Chronic muscle tension leads to back, neck, and joint pain.
- Metabolism. Stress contributes to the accumulation of visceral fat (around internal organs), which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
The body remembers all our experiences.
Taking care of yourself is the best prevention
Since stress has such a detrimental effect on health, managing it becomes a vital task. This does not mean that you need to completely avoid stressful situations – it is impossible. It is important to learn how to respond to them correctly and restore the body's resources.
Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, relaxation practices (meditation, yoga, breathing exercises), hobbies, communication with loved ones – all this helps to reduce stress and strengthen the body's defenses. If you can't cope with stress on your own, don't hesitate to seek help from a psychologist or psychotherapist. Taking care of your mental health is a direct investment in your physical well–being. transescort.org/trans/thailand/bangkok/