Learn how stress and injury’s are connected

Experience a variety of stressors? Discover how to manage them for better overall health.

Excessive stress can wreak havoc on our wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Our bodies produce cortisol, a hormone that helps us cope with stress. While small doses of stress can be beneficial, enduring high levels or prolonged stress can lead to adverse effects, such as dehydration, insomnia, headaches, weight gain, and high blood pressure. If stress is taking a toll on your life, keep reading to learn how it impacts your body and strategies to mitigate its consequences.

Immediate Consequences of Stress Cortisol, the stress hormone, prepares your body for fight-or-flight by redirecting blood flow from the digestive system to major muscle groups. This quick reaction is helpful in short-term situations but can lead to digestive issues, increased food cravings, nausea, bloating, and sleep disturbances when stress becomes chronic. As cortisol hinders melatonin production, relaxation and sleep become more difficult. Additionally, elevated cortisol levels can raise blood sugar, causing cravings for sugary, carbohydrate-rich foods. These symptoms typically occur during periods of high stress and may disrupt your overall physical health if stress persists.

Long-Term Implications of Stress Prolonged stress keeps your body in overdrive due to cortisol's role in the fight-or-flight response. Consequently, your immune system becomes suppressed, making you more susceptible to illness and a wide range of health issues, including irregular heartbeat, weakened bones, sleep disruption, digestive problems, headaches, anxiety, depression, weight gain, osteoarthritis, poor circulation, increased heart disease risk, decreased libido, and more.

Stress-Induced Injuries Chronic stress can lead to physical breakdowns and injuries. When under stress, cortisol prepares the body for "fight or flight." This short-term reaction becomes harmful when stress is sustained, as it results in side effects like reduced immunity and increased injury risk. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that chronically stressed individuals had cortisol levels high enough to break down muscle tissue, causing strength loss and muscle mass reduction, or "overtraining." Hence, it is crucial to minimize stress-induced damage.

Strategies to Counteract Stress To alleviate stress, first identify its sources in your life, such as work, finances, or a family member's health. Once pinpointed, focus on reducing these stressors through methods like meditation, yoga, massage, reading, listening to music, or spending time outdoors. Other stress-relieving activities include exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, goal-setting, and connecting with loved ones.

In Conclusion While stress is a natural part of life, it can harm your health if left uncontrolled. Identifying your stressors, setting realistic expectations, and surrounding yourself with supportive people can help you manage stress more effectively. Consult with one of our osteopaths to learn more about the connection between stress and injury.