How Does Stress Affect Our Overall Health & Well-being? 

Stress is a natural response to challenging or demanding situations, but when it becomes chronic or excessive, it can have negative effects on both physical and mental health.

Physical effects of chronic stress on the body include:

• The Immune System: Chronic stress can make it harder for your body to fight off infections and diseases.

• Digestion: Stress can lead to digestive problems such as nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

• The Respiratory System: Stress can worsen respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Muscle Tension: Stress can cause muscle tension and pain, which can lead to conditions such as tension headaches, back pain, and neck pain.

Chronic stress can even make existing mental health conditions more difficult to manage. Some ways in which stress can impact our mental health include:

• Anxiety: Chronic stress can cause feelings of anxiety, worry, and fear that persist even when there is no immediate threat.

• Depression: Prolonged stress can reduce the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, leading to sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

• Burnout: Chronic stress can lead to a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, known as burnout. This can result in feelings of detachment, cynicism, and a decreased sense of accomplishment.

It is important to manage stress in healthy ways to prevent these negative health effects. If you are having difficulty managing stress or suffering from any of the symptoms above, consider talking with your primary care physician.

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