Stress is common among working adults. With internal and external pressure, life’s daily challenges may affect one’s health. Underestimating the effects of stress often lead to severe illnesses, so it’s best to take action immediately.
The body reacts to stress differently. Like other health conditions, it can hinder one’s daily function. Tackling these nine physical manifestations of stress and knowing what you can do about them can help maintain your overall wellness.
1.Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common symptom of stress. One may develop a scalp condition that sets the hair follicles into a resting phase. After a few months, simple combing or washing can cause severe shedding or hair fall.
Since stress commonly causes hair loss, combating it by pampering your scalp may help. You may include hair growth shampoos and other products in your hair care routine. Taking care of yourself amidst stress is a healthy coping mechanism that may help boost your mood.
2.Muscle Tension
Muscle tension or body discomfort is a common physical symptom of stress. One example is chronic backache. The pain may range from dull to sharp and throbbing and could hinder one’s performance or productivity.
Although muscle tension is the body’s natural reaction to stress, frequent symptoms cause concern. A proper diagnosis helps determine the best treatment. You may also take warm showers to relax your muscles or undergo massage therapy to release the pressure.
3.Headaches
Stress can cause frequent headaches and migraines. Some may also suffer from blurry vision, dizziness, and nausea. When you experience these symptoms, it’s best to consult a medical professional immediately.
There are ways to cope with stress-induced headaches along with prescribed medication. You may take hot showers or apply a cold or hot compress on your head. Meditation and other relaxation activities can also help relieve the pain and bring stress relief.
4.Upset Stomach
Stress and anxiety can cause an upset stomach. It may involve indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. However, getting a proper diagnosis is best to rule out other possible causes since these symptoms share other conditions like parasitical infection or food poisoning.
Avoid caffeine intake like coffee and carbonated drinks when you’re experiencing an upset stomach due to stress. You may also practice meditation and breathing exercises to help you relax. Drinking ginger or peppermint tea may also help promote good digestion and induce a calming effect.
5.Chest Pain
Chest pain is a common symptom of stress and anxiety. In most cases, one may also experience rapid heart rate, sweating, and breathing difficulty. Anyone with these symptoms must seek immediate medical attention to rule out the possibility of a heart attack.
Experiencing chest pain when triggered by a stressful situation can be alarming. However, practicing healthy coping mechanisms like breathing exercises and mindfulness is best. Taking care of your overall wellness by having a good sleep and eating healthy meals can help you cope better with stress.
6.Panic Attacks
Stress and anxiety usually go together, and one of their physical manifestations is panic attacks. One suffering from a panic attack may experience chest tightness, breathing difficulty, palpitations, dizziness, and numbness of hands or feet.
Those suffering from panic attacks due to stress and anxiety must seek professional help. Undergoing therapy or medication can help target the root cause of this symptom. You may also monitor your overall health and avoid drinking coffee or alcohol.
7.High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the body’s usual reaction to stress. Rapid heartbeat and tightening of blood vessels increase pressure, leading to severe discomfort and breathing difficulty. While stress can cause high blood pressure, one must still get a proper diagnosis to rule out other underlying health problems.
Some things you can do to combat stress-induced high blood pressure are exercise, yoga, meditation, and getting enough sleep. Scheduling your daily tasks and tackling them one by one can also reduce the risk of stress.
8.Fatigue
Fatigue, a general feeling of weakness, exhaustion, and drowsiness, is a common physical manifestation of stress. One may also experience headaches, dull body discomfort, and irritability.
One way to combat fatigue due to stress is to eat energy-rich and mood-boosting meals. Try light exercises like walking to uplift your mood. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can also help your body and mind recover faster.
9.Weak Immune System
Stress can weaken the immune system. Since stress often goes with a lack of sleep, it makes your body more vulnerable to viruses. Some symptoms are frequent cough or cold, fatigue, stomach problems, and recurring infections.
Regular exercise and eating healthy and delicious meals can help strengthen your immune system amidst stress. You may also engage in mood-boosting recreational activities and pamper yourself through massages to help you relax.
Conclusion
Stress can affect the quality of one’s life and put the body at risk of illnesses. Knowing the early physical manifestations can help you combat stress with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
