Stress is an unavoidable part of life, and it can have a significant impact on physical wellness. If left unchecked, stress can lead to a variety of physical and mental health conditions. In this article, we'll explore the relationship between stress and physical wellness, and discuss how to manage stress in order to maintain good health. When a person experiences a stressful event, their body releases cortisol, a hormone that provides the energy needed to cope with the challenge.
However, if stress persists for a long period of time, it can lead to an alteration in communication between the immune system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This can increase the chances of developing or worsening physical or mental health conditions. The symptoms of stress can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. Common symptoms include muscle tension, headaches, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Uncontrolled stress can contribute to many health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and asthma attacks. Studies have revealed that psychological stress is closely related to physical activity in children.
A multilevel model analysis showed that greater psychological stress predicted a decrease in physical activity among children. At the same time, greater psychological stress predicted an increase in physical activity over the days. This suggests that the level of analysis is essential to understanding the association between psychological stress and physical activity. In addition to physical activity, stress can also affect muscle strength. Chronic stress can reduce testosterone production, resulting in a decrease in sexual desire or libido and even erectile dysfunction or impotence.
Stress can also worsen the symptoms of reproductive diseases such as herpes simplex virus or polycystic ovary syndrome. Maternal stress can also adversely affect fetal development in childhood and alter the bond with the baby after delivery. Estrogen levels in premenopausal women seem to help blood vessels respond better during stress, helping their bodies better manage stress and protecting them against heart disease. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage stress in order to maintain good health. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can help reduce muscle tension and increase feelings of well-being. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress levels.
Talking to a friend or family member about your worries can also be beneficial. If necessary, consider seeing a professional counselor or therapist who can help you identify sources of stress and learn new tools for coping with it.
