Sarah EatonItâs no secret that stress and anxiety can cause a world of trouble for you physically, mentally, and emotionally. And while stress not only causes long-term issues, such as an increased risk for a heart attack, chronic anxiety also causes more immediate symptoms, some of which might not have occurred to you.
Yes, stress is not innately a bad thing, But chronic exposure to intensely stressful situations can have its ramifications on your health. Stress and chronic anxiety go hand-in-hand. Being aware of the symptoms can help alert you that itâs time to incorporate some stress-management techniques. (1)
Here are some of the instant physical symptoms of stress that lead to chronic anxiety:
Croaky Throat
Do you find yourself having to clear your throat and drink ample fluids before giving a speech? Thatâs your throatâs reaction to stress. When anxious feelings settle in, fluids are transferred to more vital locations in the body. This causes spasms in the throat muscles, resulting in tightness, dryness, and making it difficult to swallow. (2)
Liver Reactions
The adrenal system has its own way of dealing with stress. It produces an excessive amount of the stress hormone cortisol. This leads to an increase in glucose, the high-energy blood sugar that employs your âfight or flightâ reactions. Many people have bodies that enable them to reabsorb the extra blood sugar without incurring damage. For diabetics and those with metabolic syndrome, however, the extra blood sugar could mean health issues. (3)
Skin Reactions
From clammy sweat to flushed cheeks, the skin also has its own ways of displaying outward signs of immediate stress. And itâs all due to a change in blood flow. âFight or flightâ pushes more blood to your muscles â which is good, when thereâs an immediate need for it. However, over time, this reaction can make the skin age faster. Stress can also cause an increase in histamine, which can result in swelling. (4)
Overactive Spleen
In order to replenish oxygen to the body that may have been depleted during a stressful ordeal, the spleen discharges extra red and white blood cells. Furthermore, during this process, your blood flow increases by 300 to 400 percent in order to prep the rest of the body for added demands. (5)
Muscle Tension
Stress is a literal pain in the neck! Feelings of anxiety cause the body to tighten up. This causes strain on large muscle groups. Chronic stress can aggravate this tension, which can result in headaches, stiff shoulders, neck pain, and even migraines. Whatâs more, people who experience a constant state of stress are also at a higher risk for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. (6, 7)
And after a while, chronic anxiety causes your body to exhibit other health issues, such as:
Your Heart
Chronic stress leads to a higher risk of heart problems, caused by increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and spikes of cortisol. Long-term stress can also lead to hypertension and arrhythmia, as well as an increased risk for heart attack or stroke. You should also be aware of the difference between a heart attack and a panic attack. (8)
Your Lungs
Studies have shown that there is a correlation between stress and asthma. And asthmatics are also more likely to undergo panic attacks. Additionally, chronic anxiety can also exacerbate symptoms of COPD. (9)
Your Brain
The most prominent reaction to chronic anxiety is psychological. Stress and anxiety can affect areas of the brain that influence both long-term and short-term memory. This doesnât mean the memory is gone; rather, it means it becomes difficult for your brain to retrieve the information. (10)
Your Immune System
The stress monster also takes its toll on the immune system. The good old âfight or flightâ reaction has a role here, too. When itâs engaged, it suppresses your immune system. So, when youâre stressed, youâre more likely to catch a bug and are more susceptible to infections. (11)
Your Digestive System
Stress and anxiety can cause digestion problems, including esophagus spasms and GERD. Furthermore, it can alter the acid levels in your stomach, which leads to indigestion. And your stomach can shut down, making you feel nauseous. Long-term stress can also affect your intestines, leading to reflux, diarrhea, and bloating. (12)
Still not sure if you’re stressed? Or is chronic anxiety affecting your health? Try our 60-second stress test. And if you’re looking for relief, try these adaptogenic herbs to support you in stressful times.
Learn more in the video below:
Sources:
Mind Tools
Huffington Post
APA
Anxiety Centre
Live Strong
Live Strong
New York Times
Calm Clinic
Heart.Org
Lung Institute
Human Stress
Adrenal Fatigue
Everyday Health
CCOHS
Research Gate