Everybody experiences stress from time to time. Stress is a natural response to the challenges of life. It can be caused by a variety of situations such as sitting in traffic or moving into a new home, worrying about financial obligations or losing a family member.
A chemical reaction is triggered in your body when you feel under pressure or threatened. This allows you to react quickly and deal with the threat. This reflex is known as the “fight-flight-freeze” response. Stress can cause an increase in heart rate, rapid breath, tense muscle, and elevated blood pressure.
Stress can motivate you to meet deadlines or take decisions. This short-term anxiety is usually not of concern and goes away quickly.
Unmanaged stress or periods of anxiety which occur frequently and are not managed could have serious effects on the body. Chronic stress can cause aches and pains as well as mental impairments.
It is important to not take persistent anxiety lightly. Neglecting it can have a negative impact on your health and body. Continue reading to learn about the impact of stress on your health.
The negative effects of stress on the body
A buildup of anxiety can lead to a variety of physical and mental health issues. Here are some ways chronic stress can negatively affect your body.
- Headaches – Muscles tense up to protect against injury or pain when under stress. Unrelieved and frequent muscle tension can cause aches and discomfort throughout the body. This includes the neck, shoulders, and head.
- High Blood Pressure — Your heart rate increases and your blood vessels contract when you feel threatened or stressed. Chronic high blood pressure can be caused by a persistent strain, increasing your risk of stroke or heart attack.
- Dental problems —A chronically stressed person is more likely than others to grind their teeth. Jaw clenching, also known as bruxism or nocturnal bruxism can cause a variety of dental problems. These problems can include worn-out enamel or painful jaw issues, such as TMJ disorder.
- Weakening immune system —If your body experiences chronic stress over time, it can suppress or weaken its natural defenses. A weak immune system can make you less able to fight off illness, and more susceptible to infection or disease.
- Depression, mood changes and mental health —Mental issues can arise when a person is overwhelmed by life’s stresses or feels incapable of handling them. Chronic stress can cause depression, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
Manage stress to improve overall health
We all experience some level of stress in our daily lives. There are a number of health issues associated with anxiety. The good news is you can change your lifestyle now to reduce the risk. This infographic will give you a comprehensive look at how stress affects your health.
This infographic has been created by McLean, a cosmetic dental office in McLean VA.
This infographic was created by McLean DDS, a cosmetic dentist in McLean VA.
