When planning for the future, most agree that health and wellness play a vital role in our ability to thrive and enjoy a full life. While exercise and nutrition are important to prioritize, for many of us stress could be impacting our well-being more than we know. Let’s consider the effects of chronic stress. What exactly happens to our bodies under pressure?

Brain: The body’s stress response is triggered when the brain’s hypothalamus sends a signal to the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain. This glans then signals the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) to release stress hormones. These hormones change how organs and systems act to prepare the body to fight or take flight.

Heart: Heart rate and blood pressure increase so that blood travels through the body faster. This helps deliver oxygen to power the muscles.

Lungs: Breathing rate increases to deliver more oxygen throughout the body to power muscles and tissues.

Muscles: Muscles tense up to prepare the body for action.

Liver: The liver causes more glucose (blood sugar) to be released into the bloodstream. This powers cells in the body.

Stomach/Intestines: Digestion decreases. This redirects energy that would be used to break down food to power other parts of the body.

Sweat Glands: Stress-triggered sweat is chemically different from sweat that cools the body. Stress sweat interacts with bacteria on the skin to cause body odor.

Ongoing or chronic stress does not allow the body’s stress hormones to return to normal levels. This can lead to many health problems. Chronic stress can:

·       Increase your chances of getting sick by weakening your immune system.

·       Cause sleep problems because of the energy surge brought on by stress hormones.

·       Lead to injuries or migraine headaches from constant muscle tension.

·       Increase the risk of certain mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.

·       Lead to problems with learning and memory.

·       Increase the risk for chronic health problems such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

Healthy Ways to Cope

Move your body! Regular aerobic exercise activates the body’s stress response. But this is actually “good stress” and helps the body cope with psychological stress.

Meditate. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can decrease blood pressure and improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Take a Tech Time Out. Stepping away from distractions such a social media and texting may be stressful at first, but with practice can help you relax.

Do One Thing at a Time. If you feel overwhelmed with multitasking, try to tackle one challenge at a time.

Get Support. If you are stressed, ask for help from family, friends or a professional, such as a doctor or counsellor.

Source: Scholastics and the scientists of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.