What are the effects of stress on the body?

Every day we are bombarded with unattainable to-do lists, screen over-stimulation, poor sleep, failed attempts at multi-tasking, social and relationship conflicts, just to name a few. We may not consciously see these events as inherently stressful but that doesn’t mean that our brains don’t consider these events “too much” to handle. If the brain interprets an event as stressful or overwhelming, then it will react by inducing a “fight or flight” state, usually reserved for acute situations. When adrenalin and cortisol are released on a constant basis the system-wide inflammation can result in tissue damage, more sick days, reduced white blood cells, higher susceptibility to harmful viruses and bacteria.

Chronic stress wreaks havoc on every system of your body. From cardiovascular disease, asthma, gastric ulcers, headaches, digestive irregularity and bloating. Learning adequate stress management techniques can be the single most impactful decision for your health.