We’ve all experienced stress at some point in our lives, whether due to work deadlines, exams, or personal challenges. But have you ever wondered what’s happening inside your body when you’re stressed? Let’s unravel your body’s response to stress, taking a look at how it affects your hormones, heart, and more.
Hormones: Cortisol and Adrenaline
When your body is under stress, your adrenal glands amp up their production of cortisol. Alongside cortisol, they also produce adrenaline. Known as the “fight or flight” hormone, adrenaline prepares your body for action.
Together, these hormones elevate your heart rate, sharpen your focus, and get you ready to deal with a threat. While these responses can be helpful in short bursts, prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol and adrenaline is unhealthy. High cortisol levels can cause a range of symptoms, including mood swings and muscle weakness, while high adrenaline levels can result in insomnia and high blood pressure.
Heart Effects
The heart races, quite literally, when stress comes knocking. As cortisol and adrenaline surge through your bloodstream, your heart rate increases. This quickening heartbeat is part of your body’s strategy to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, preparing you to respond to the perceived danger. However, prolonged stress can put extra strain on your heart, potentially contributing to long-term cardiovascular issues.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Have you ever felt butterflies in your stomach during stressful times? You’re not alone. Another way your body reacts to stress is by diverting blood from your digestive organs, slowing down their function. This can lead to stomachaches, indigestion, and even exacerbate conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Mental Effects
Stress doesn’t just influence your body; it takes a toll on your mind as well. High cortisol levels can lead to anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Chronic stress has even been linked to depression and other mood disorders. Plus, the cycle is cyclical, meaning stress can make it harder to manage stress, creating a self-perpetuating loop that’s hard to break.
Your body’s response to stress is a natural survival mechanism. The better you understand it, the better you can manage the effects, allowing you to lead a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Dianne Pajo is a Certified Personal Trainer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her outdoors and performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.