Have you ever received a massage, and your masseuse immediately knows where you carry your stress? Perhaps in your shoulders, hips, or in those hard-to-reach spots that always ache? Well, under stress, your body innately tenses to protect itself from injury, and when you relax, your muscles do too. But if you’re constantly reacting to your environment, whether it’s traffic, work emails, or arguments with your partner, your body doesn’t receive the chance to repair and recuperate. This results in constant body aches and headaches.
How to cope: Instead of reaching for the pain medicine, incorporate yoga and somatic therapy exercises to relieve stress and trauma. A body scan is a great way to understand where you’re carrying the stress to focus on it and release it. Here’s how to practice;
- Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
- Inhale slowly through your nose, and exhale through your mouth.Â
- Then, direct your attention to your body, starting from your toes and gradually moving upward. Notice any sensations, tension, or relaxation in each part.
- As your attention moves through each body part, observe any sensations without judgment. If you notice tension, try to release it with your exhale.Â
7. Harms your sex drive and reproductive system
It’s not uncommon to temporarily lose your sex drive while experiencing stress. However, if you experience chronic stress, it can not only harm your sex life, but it can further disrupt your hormones and menstrual cycle. For example, it can cause heavier, more painful, and longer periods. And for men, stress causes their testosterone levels to drop, causing erectile dysfunction and further complications.
How to cope: If stress is affecting your relationship, communicate openly with your partner about your feelings and any concerns. A supportive and understanding environment can alleviate pressure. Furthermore, learn how to cycle-sync your workouts and avoid the worst foods for your hormones while you combat your stress.Â
8. Other conditions
Stress wreaks havoc on our minds and bodies. So, beyond the previous effects, it can also heighten your risk for obesity, diabetes, and mental conditions like depression, anxiety, mood changes, suicidal ideations and burnout. Furthermore, stress may influence lifestyle choices, leading to drug and alcohol abuse, isolation, and impaired relationships.
How to cope: What is causing your stress? Beyond meditation, a healthy diet, exercise, and a support system, it’s critical to dive deep into the roots of your pain. Speak with a mental health professional and receive a combination of gold-standard therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy to improve your internal dialogue and eye rapid movement desensitization therapy to overcome trauma. Consistent support from a trained source will help you heal to improve your overall wellbeing.Â
While stress is a natural response, when left unmanaged, chronic stress can be dangerous for our physical and emotional health. Therefore, learning the ways stress impacts your physical health gives you the foundation of how interconnected everything is and what needs to change to feel happier and more at peace.
