Stress, in small doses, is actually good for you. It can encourage engagement, push you to the next level, and being a motivating factor. However, excessive or persistent stress can be detrimental to your health.
The emotional effects of stress, including frustration, anxiety, and depression are easily recognizable and consequently easily contributed to stress. The physical effects of stress, alternatively, are not as well known and easy to spot.
Let’s take a look at some of the physical effects that stress can have on your body:
Poor Heart Health
Stress can increase heartrates and contribute to chest pain. Repeated acute stress can cause inflammation in the coronary arteries, which may lead to myocardial infarction (commonly known as the heart attack).
Stomach Issues
Stress can upset your stomach and affect digestion, contributing to nausea, constipation or diarrhea.
Aches and Pains
Aches and pains, including joint pains and tense muscles are physical side effects of stress.
Raise in Blood Pressure
Stress can result in a rise in your blood pressure (hypertension), which increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, and heart attack.
Sick and Tired
Being stressed suppresses the immune system, leaving you more susceptible to illness and infection. Additionally, stress can lead to tiredness and even insomnia.
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