41% of women have reported feeling stressed. Unfortunately, feelings like anxiety and apprehension are all too commonplace in today's world. It's likely that everyone has felt emotionally overwhelmed at one point or another.
A holistic lifestyle and healthy practices can help improve mental health and manage negative emotions. But it's also a good idea to be familiar with the ways that stress can affect your body.
Jump To:
- Skin Health
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Fertility Issues
- Irregular Periods
- Weakened Immune System
Keep reading to learn more.
See Related: 6-Step Morning Skin Care Routine For Glowing Skin
What Is Chronic Stress?
Stress is your body's natural biological response to demanding situations. When faced with adversity, your body responds by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Cortisol helps to regulate mood, manage inflammation, and control sleep/wake cycles, among other things.
This spike in hormones causes energy production to increase while other bodily functions take a backseat. This can cause things like your immune response and digestive health to be put on hold.
Chronic stress occurs when you experience a prolonged feeling of mental pressure or anxiety. Your body is in a constant state of "fight or flight." Though your body is able to effectively manage acute stress (short-term stress), it can't cope with prolonged stress as easily.
The best way to manage your stress is by creating a healthy lifestyle, practicing gratitude, and following daily self-care rituals. Everyone has their own set of challenges, but it's important to adopt a mindset that allows you to adapt, overcome, and find peace in what you have.
Whether your stress-management routine involves drinking healing Jamu tonics or treating your skin to a luxurious spa treatment, you deserve to live a stress-free life!
Symptoms of Chronic Stress
Chronic stress isn't just in your head. It can have extremely damaging and detrimental effects on your mind, body, and soul. This can be observed in various psychological and physical symptoms.
Here are a few of the most common symptoms of stress that you may be experiencing:
Emotional Symptoms
- Increased worry or anxiety
- Irritability or anger
- Sadness or depression
- Feeling overwhelmed or that you're losing control
Cognitive Symptoms
- Disorganized thinking
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Negative or repetitive thinking
Physical Symptoms
- Low energy levels
- Aches and pains
- Fatigue and difficulty sleeping
- Headache
- Changes in appetite
- Skin problems
What Can Stress Do to a Woman’s Body?
Spikes in stress levels are often short-lived and will go away on their own. Your body knows how to deal with negativity and adversity. However, long-term stress can have damaging effects on your mind and body that shouldn't be ignored.
#1. Skin Health
When your body produces stress hormones like cortisol, it can affect your skin's appearance. Cortisol causes your pores to produce oil, which can lead to breakouts and uneven texture. But that's not all - stress can even aggravate skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
Your skin is an outward representation of what you feel on the inside. If you're plagued by stress, your skin is bound to show it. That's why a fulfilling skincare routine is of the utmost importance.
If you haven't yet made your daily skincare ritual a die-hard habit, you can try indulging in an at-home spa day every now and again. Start with a pore-purifying body wash before following up with a creamy lotion and brightening body oil.
#2. Gastrointestinal Issues
The brain-gut axis is the connection between your mind and your gastrointestinal tract. Anything from love-struck butterflies to stomach-churning nausea can be a result of the brain-gut connection.
Oftentimes, stress affects your gut health. It can result in digestive problems, an upset stomach, acid reflux, or irritable bowel syndrome.
#3. Fertility Issues
Research shows that women with chronic stress have a higher level of alpha-amylase, a stress-related enzyme. Other studies show that stress can have negative effects on reproductive hormones and may reduce the chances of conceiving.
#4. Irregular Periods
If you've ever seemingly randomly missed a period, it might have been due to heightened stress levels. Stress can have a significant impact on your body's hormone balance, which can disrupt your menstrual cycle. The symptoms of stress can even increase the intensity of menopause symptoms.
#5. Weakened Immune System
Chronic stress can impact women's health by making your body more prone to illness and infections. Your weakened immune system can't fight off a cold or flu as effectively, and you're also more likely to experience flare-ups of existing health conditions.
Bonus: Complete Guide To The Mind-Body Connection
Final Thoughts
Though your body's stress response is a natural and necessary reaction to perceived threats, too much can be damaging to your health. Focus on maintaining a positive mindset, practicing healthy habits, and using physical activity to boost your mood. That's the key to a happy life!
Keep Reading: The Perfect Nighttime Skincare Routine & Products To Use
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