WHAT IS STRESS?
Essentially, stress is the mental, emotional, and/or physical response to an external cause– like too much homework. While having too much homework usually feels negative, stress can actually be positive as well. Your stress may allow you to stay up later and complete your homework that is due the next day. Our bodies are designed to experience stress and react to it, but too much stress can cause harm to us. In this blog we will be talking about the physical reaction and how it can look in our bodies.
HOW DOES OUR BODY REACT TO STRESS?
When our body feels in danger or threatened, it actually releases stress hormones that create physical changes. In the moment, this might look like your heart rate increasing, muscles tightening, and breath quickening. Your body is actually preparing it’s flight, fight, or freeze response.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE HAVE STRESS OVERLOAD?
As mentioned in the beginning, if the body gets stuck in stress too often, there can be physical symptoms to warn you that it’s time for a break. These symptoms may include but are not limited to:
- Low energy
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Aches, pains, and tense muscles
- Chest pain
Stress can also manifest into something bigger, like anxiety, when left unchecked. Because of
this, it’s important to be present and in-tune with ourselves so we can notice the physical
symptoms and listen to our body notifying us it’s time for a break!
HOW TO TAKE A BREAK, RELAX, AND DE-STRESS
Maybe your body is sending you a notification with some physical symptoms of stress. What should you do next? Take a look at our blog! This post is a guide to practicing mindfulness and gives a grounding technique.
Maybe you are feeling like it’s too much to handle on your own, and that’s okay too. If you are new to this page or want to receive more info over stress and other topics, reach out to us at hello@heartlandtherapyconnection.com or call 816-592-0624. We would love to set up a 15-minute consultation or an appointment with you. #betterconnected
