How Stress Affects the Body and Signs of Cortisol Imbalance
Stress is the body’s natural physiological response to perceived challenges or threats. Common stressors include deadlines, financial pressures, family conflicts, physical health issues, and environmental factors. When stress is chronic or unmanaged, it can severely impact both mental and physical health.
Mental Effects of Stress:
Prolonged stress can impair cognitive functions such as judgment and decision-making, cause confusion, trigger mood swings, and lead to depression or anxiety. It often disrupts sleep and can strain relationships. Additionally, some individuals may increase the use of substances like alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Physical Effects of Stress:
Stress activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to muscle tension, headaches, elevated blood pressure, and increased risk of serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes (American Psychological Association, 2022).
Cortisol and Stress:
Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” regulates many bodily functions including metabolism and immune response. High cortisol levels may cause symptoms like weight gain, high blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety. Conversely, low cortisol can result in fatigue, low blood pressure, and muscle weakness (Harvard Health Publishing, 2020).
Learn More:
References
American Psychological Association. (2022). Stress effects on the body. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress
Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Understanding the stress response and cortisol. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
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