10/04/2025
April marks Stress Awareness Month. We are usually able to handle a little stress such as being stuck in traffic or missing our train for example. However, if we are finding it difficult to shake off a heavy feeling or find being in a constant state of stress, it can show up in our physical body.
When we experience stress, our body goes into "fight or flight" mode, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While this response is helpful in short bursts, chronic stress can take a serious toll on our well-being.
Stress can affect all the systems in our body: the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous, and reproductive systems.
🔸️Weakened Immune System – Long-term stress reduces the body’s ability to fight infections, making us more susceptible to colds, flu, and other illnesses.
🔸️Heart Problems – Chronic stress increases blood pressure and inflammation, raising the risk of heart disease and strokes.
🔸️Digestive Issues – Stress can disrupt digestion, leading to problems like bloating, IBS, or acid reflux.
🔸️Hormonal Imbalances – For women, stress can impact menstrual cycles and fertility by disrupting hormone production.
🔸️Muscle Tension & Pain – Stress often manifests as tight shoulders, headaches, and body aches due to prolonged muscle tension.
Everyday stress can turn into chronic stress if it becomes long-term and we don’t find stress management techniques to reduce the effects and restore balance.
There are lots of techniques that can help us de-stress: deep breathing exercises, maintaining a healthy social network, meditation, regular exercises / movement, walking and a good sleep routine can make a significant difference in how our body responds to stress.
It is also important to maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, protein and drinking an adequate amount of water. This guves our body a fighting chance to function during stressful situations.
With Love & Light 🧡
