VISITING ANGELS PORTAGE, OH 330-297-2000
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The Effects of Stress

The Effects of Stress

Stress is something everyone experiences. It's the body's way of alerting us to danger or change. However, when stress is chronic, meaning the stress doesn't go away after the stressor ends, it can negatively affect the body. April is Stress Awareness Month, making it a great time to learn how stress affects the body. 

Muscle Tension

Muscles tense as a reaction to stress to protect the body. In acute cases of stress, muscles relax after the stress goes away. If someone has chronic stress, the muscles stay taunted for long periods, causing pain and discomfort. Too much muscle tension can also cause reactions to other body parts, such as headaches and migraines. Stress-related muscle tension can also contribute to chronic pain in someone living with a musculoskeletal disorder.

For mild muscle tension, you can try gentle stretching to help relax the area. Aim to stretch the muscles for about 10 minutes each day and thoroughly stretch before any physical activity so you don't strain the muscle. If you have a musculoskeletal disorder or discomfort that's keeping you from daily activities, you may want to visit a physical or occupational therapist for treatment. 

Respiratory Challenges

Your respiratory system is the organs and tissue responsible for gas exchange in the body: supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. It can disrupt the respiratory system when stressed, causing shortness of breath or rapid breathing. If you're experiencing mild stress, the respiratory changes last a few minutes, and breathing returns to normal after the stress ends. In chronic stress, respiratory changes can trigger hyperventilation or panic attacks. The breathing changes can also be dangerous for individuals with respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis or asthma. 

If you have chronic stress and experience respiratory challenges, you may want to consider working with a psychologist or therapist for techniques on managing your breathing during stress. You can also practice meditation, yoga, and other relaxation exercises to keep your overall stress levels at bay. 

Long-Term Heart Complications

Two common symptoms of stress include rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. If you're experiencing chronic stress and your body is constantly alert, you'll have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and hypertension. Persistent stress can also lead to inflammation in the coronary arteries, increasing the risk of certain heart diseases. 

Stress management is one way to reduce your risk of long-term stress-related heart complications. Work with your doctor or a psychologist to develop tools to help you stay calm during stress. If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition unrelated to stress, make sure you manage those conditions and talk to your doctor about your stress, as chronic stress can exacerbate your symptoms. 

Stomach and Bowel Discomfort

The stomach and bowel are part of the gastrointestinal system. Stress can cause stomach and bowel discomfort in anyone, but it's more prone for those with gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Stress can cause changes in the gut bacteria to cause pain, bloating, and nausea. Severe stress may even cause vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. 

If you're going through a stressful time, be mindful of what you're consuming. Try to eat fresh produce, lean meats, and whole grains to keep the stomach and bowels less irritated. If you have a gastrointestinal condition, make sure you follow your treatment plan and talk to your doctor about stress as it could intensify symptoms.

Working with Visiting Angels

If your stress interferes with your ability to complete daily activities and you need assistance at home, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our professional caregivers assist with non-medical tasks such as light housekeeping, medication reminders, meal preparations, transportation, mobility assistance, and personal grooming. The Visiting Angels Ravenna office serves the Chagrin Valley, Portage, and Southern Geauga counties in Ohio. If you're interested in learning more about our caregiving services, you can complete this form online or call our office at 330.297.2000.

Serving Portage, Geauga, and Southern Cuyahoga Counties.

Visiting Angels PORTAGE, OH
240 W Riddle Ave
Ravenna, OH 44266
Phone: 330-297-2000
N/A

Serving Portage, Geauga, and Southern Cuyahoga Counties.

Visiting Angels PORTAGE, OH
240 W Riddle Ave
Ravenna, OH 44266
Phone: 330-297-2000
N/A