Nervous System
When stress physically or psychologically the body suddenly shifts its energy resources to fighting off the perceived threat. In what is known as fight or flight response, the sympathetic nervous system signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol.These hormones make the heart beat faster, raise blood pressure, change the digestive process and boost glucose levels in the bloodstream. Once the crisis passes the systems usually return to normal
Musculoskeletal System
Under stress muscles tense up. The contraction of muscles for extended periods can trigger tension headaches, migraines and various musculoskeletal conditions.Respiratory System
Stress can make you breathe harder and cause rapid breathing, which can bring on panic attacks in some people.Cardiovascular System
Acute stress – stress that is momentary, such as being stuck in the traffic – cause an increase in heart rate and stronger contractions of the heart muscle. Blood vessels that direct blood to the large muscles and to the heart dilate, increasing the amount of blood pumped to these parts of the body. Repeated episodes of stress can cause inflammation in the coronary arteries, thought to lead to heart attack.is an interesting site where you can find more details about the effects of stress on your blood pressure.
Endocrine System
Adrenal glandsWhen the body is stressed the brain sends signals from the hypothalamus, causing the adrenal complex to produce cortisiol and the adrenal modulla to produce epinerphine – sometimes called “stress hormones”
Liver
When cortisol and epinerphine are released, the liver produces more glucose, a blood sugar that would give you the necessary energy to fight or flight in an emergency.
Gastrointestinal System
EsophagusStress may prompt you to eat more or much less than you usually do. If you eat more or different foods or increase your use of tobacco or alcohol you may experience heartburn or acid reflux.
Stomach
Your stomach may react with “butterflies” or even nausea or pain. You can vomit if the stress is severe enough.
Bowels
Stress can affect digestion and which nutrients your intestines absorb. It can also affect how quickly the food moves through your body. You may find that you have diarrhea or constipation.
Reproductive System
In men excess levels of cortisol, produced under stress, can affect the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Chronic stress can impair testosterone and sperm production and cause impotence.In women stress cause absent or irregular menstrual cycles or more painful periods. It can also reduce sexual desire.
SOURCE: American Psychological Association
Immune system
The immune system is the internal system which is designed to protect us from any external bodies (viruses or bacteria). It costs a lot to the body meaning that it has very high energy usage.Under stress your body needs energy to run or fight! This is why it changes its chemistry to suppress the immune system. This is why we usually get ill before or after exams or big challenges at work. Check some regarding the impact stress has on your immune sytem.
Other Physical Effects of Stress
Let’s now have a look at some of the most frequent physical effects of stress:- Aggression
- Apathy.
- Guilt
- Headaches
- Hot and Cold Waves
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Tingle
- Nightmares
- Bad mood
- Tension.
- Inability to focus
- Low self esteem
- A sense of vomiting.
- Irritability
- Disappointment
Loneliness - Speeded heartbeat
- Being worried
- Tiredness
