A lot has been documented about stress and how it can affect your body. I have written about the long term effects of cortisol on the muscular system and have always lauded the benefits massage therapy has in reducing chronic stress, but since these days feature some stressful event or another that seems to be just around the corner, a better perspective or vantage point is managing chronic stress in particular.
In an article written by Saundra Montijo in November, 2021 and published in Psych Central
titled The Physical Effects of Long-Term Stress, Ms. Montijo explains very well how stress can impact a number of areas of the body, not just physically, as I deal with in my line of work the majority of the time.
Stress and the body
It can often feel as if stress affects only your mental health, but it can also have a significant impact on your physical well-being. When stress occurs, your body reacts.
Respiratory and cardiovascular system
The release of stress hormones can put your respiratory and cardiovascular systems into overdrive.
Digestive system
Stress can cause stomach discomfort, including pain, bloating, or nausea. Others may experience diarrhea, constipation, or even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Sexuality and reproductive system
Long-term stress can have lasting effects on male and female reproductive systems. Stress can also impact a person’s sex drive. Stress can mentally and physically wear you out, and you may find yourself avoiding sexual activity.
Immune system
Your immune system is activated by stress, helping you avoid infections and heal faster. But while stress can give your immune system a positive boost in the moment, chronic stress can eventually weaken its effectiveness.
The article goes on to address a variety of ways to reduce stress and being attuned to the body, relaxing activities that you enjoy, and exercise among others are great ways to relieve stress.
Book your appointment with Massage Refresh and let’s together de-stress you while making all those other systems of the body react and behave more optimally. Click the button below to get started.
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