Wondering What Does Prolonged Stress Do to the Body & Brain?

Brief minor bouts of stress can help focus a person’s attention and energy to help them complete a task— like preparing for an important social or professional obligation. If the stress is short-lived and the person is young and healthy then short-term stress won’t likely have lasting repercussions. However, it’s the recurring, chronic, or prolonged stress that is the greatest threat to a person’s health. In addition to sensitizing the brain and increasing its susceptibility to stress, long-term stress can cause immune system overactivity resulting in inflammation, artery calcification, and many other ill effects. The inability to handle stress symptoms can lead to prolonged, chronic stress which can harm your overall health and wellness. In this article, we will discuss stress’s effect on the mind and body and how the benefits of meditation for stress can help.

What does prolonged stress do to the body

Behavioral symptoms of stress are actions and behaviors that indicate a person is experiencing high levels of stress. These symptoms can vary widely among individuals but commonly include:

Changes in Appetite: Eating too much or too little. Stress can lead to overeating or loss of appetite.
Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing poor-quality sleep.
Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions and activities that were once enjoyable.
Procrastination or Neglect of Responsibilities: Putting off tasks or not completing work, leading to missed deadlines or unfinished projects.
Nervous Habits: Increased use of fidgeting, nail-biting, pacing, or other repetitive behaviors.
Increased Use of Alcohol, Tobacco, or Other Substances: Using substances more frequently or in larger quantities as a way to cope with stress.
Aggressive Behavior: Increased irritability, anger, or frustration, which can lead to arguments or conflicts with others.
Crying Spells: Frequent episodes of crying for no apparent reason.
Restlessness: Inability to sit still or relax, constantly feeling on edge.
Decline in Performance: Reduced effectiveness and productivity at work or school, often accompanied by increased absenteeism.
Compulsive Behavior: Engaging in repetitive, compulsive actions such as excessive cleaning, checking, or hoarding.
Avoidance: Steering clear of situations or activities that might cause further stress.

What does chronic stress do to the body

Long-term effects of stress on the body can have a significant impact which can lead to various physical symptoms. These symptoms can affect multiple systems and can become chronic if the stress is not managed effectively. Here are some common physical symptoms of long-term stress:

Headaches: Frequent tension headaches or migraines.
Muscle Tension and Pain: Chronic muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back, leading to pain and discomfort.
Cardiovascular Issues: Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart palpitations, chest pain, and a higher likelihood of heart disease.
Digestive Problems: Issues such as stomach aches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, frequent waking, or poor-quality sleep, leading to fatigue and decreased energy levels.
Weakened Immune System: Increased susceptibility to infections and illnesses due to a compromised immune response.
Skin Problems: Conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin rashes or irritations.
Respiratory Issues: Shortness of breath or rapid breathing, which can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like asthma.
Changes in Appetite: Overeating or loss of appetite, leading to weight gain or loss.
Sexual Dysfunction: Reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or menstrual irregularities in women.
Chronic Fatigue: Persistent feelings of tiredness and exhaustion, regardless of sleep or rest.
Hair Loss: Increased hair shedding or thinning due to stress-induced changes in the hair growth cycle.
Heartburn and Acid Reflux: Increased production of stomach acid, leading to heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching: Bruxism (teeth grinding) during sleep or jaw clenching during the day, leading to dental issues and jaw pain.

What happens to your body when you are constantly stressed

Constant stress can cause or exacerbate many different physiological responses. One of the major effects of stress on the body includes heightened inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response of the body’s immune system to injury or infection, but when it persists over time, it can contribute to several serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, digestive disorders, cancer, respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, skin conditions, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and mental health issues.

What happens when you stress too much

Understanding why chronic stress is dangerous is important for your current and long-term health. Chronic stress can impair your judgment, memory, and executive function skills. Chronic stress can also inhibit your ability to regulate your emotions and process feelings and thoughts that are appropriate for the situation. Chronic stress can cause or exacerbate mental and physical health conditions which then compounds symptoms and finding relief.

What happens when you are stressed for a long time

Years of chronic stress can lead to severe health consequences, accelerating aging processes and diminishing overall quality of life. Typical signs of aging such as wrinkles, skin spots, and graying hair can be associated with cellular senescence – the aging of cells. High levels of stress may contribute to cell aging. Studies have demonstrated that high levels of cortisol, a result of chronic stress, are associated with shortened DNA telomeres. DNA telomeres are the ends of the chromosomes that keep them from deteriorating. When shortened, they will no longer be able to keep chromosomes intact causing cells to die or stop dividing. Links have been found between shortened telomeres and many physical and neuropsychological disorders such as arthritis, heart disease, and major depressive disorder.

How do you reset your body from chronic stress

Emotionally, chronic stress can lead to persistent feelings of anxiety and mood swings. Here are some of the emotional symptoms of stress:

Irritability: Feeling easily annoyed or frustrated by small things.
Anxiety: Experiencing excessive worry or fear about everyday situations.
Depression: Feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or uninterested in activities once enjoyed.
Mood Swings: Rapid and extreme changes in mood, from happiness to sadness or anger.
Feeling Overwhelmed: A sense of being unable to cope with demands or challenges.
Restlessness: Inability to relax or feeling constantly on edge.
Loneliness and Isolation: Withdrawing from social interactions and feeling disconnected from others.
Anger and Frustration: Experiencing frequent outbursts of anger or feelings of frustration.
Lack of Motivation: Feeling unmotivated or having difficulty starting or completing tasks.
Panic Attacks: Sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, often with physical symptoms like heart palpitations and shortness of breath.
Feeling of Loss of Control: A sense that things are spiraling out of control.
Low Self-Esteem: Negative self-perception and a lack of confidence.
Impatience: Difficulty waiting or being tolerant of delays or mistakes.
Frequent Crying: Increased tendency to cry or feel tearful.

What are 5 physical effects of stress

Stress impacts women’s health uniquely, leading to various physical and emotional health issues. Here is what stress can do to a woman’s body:

Cortisol and Stress Response

Increased Cortisol Levels: Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Chronic stress can lead to persistently high cortisol levels, which can disrupt the balance of other hormones in the body.

Menstrual Cycle Disruptions

Irregular Periods: High levels of stress can interfere with the hypothalamus, the brain region that regulates the menstrual cycle. This can cause irregular periods or missed cycles.
Painful Periods: Stress can exacerbate menstrual symptoms like cramps, bloating, and headaches.

Reproductive Health

Fertility Issues: Chronic stress can affect ovulation, making it more difficult for women to conceive. High cortisol levels can interfere with the production of reproductive hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Stress can exacerbate symptoms of PCOS, a condition characterized by hormonal imbalance, irregular periods, and ovarian cysts.

Pregnancy

Complications: High stress levels during pregnancy are associated with complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia.
Impact on Fetus: Chronic stress during pregnancy can affect fetal development and increase the risk of behavioral and developmental issues in the child.

Menopause

Worsening Symptoms: Stress can intensify menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
Hormonal Imbalance: Stress can further disrupt the balance of hormones like estrogen and progesterone during menopause, exacerbating symptoms.

Weight and Metabolism

Weight Gain: Elevated cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Stress can also increase appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods.
Metabolic Issues: Chronic stress can affect metabolism, leading to insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Mental Health

Anxiety and Depression: Hormonal imbalances caused by stress can contribute to anxiety and depression. Women may experience heightened emotional responses and mood swings.
Cognitive Function: Stress can impair cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities.

Bone Health

Osteoporosis Risk: Chronic stress can interfere with calcium absorption and bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.

Hair and Skin

Hair Loss: High stress levels can lead to hair thinning or hair loss due to the disruption of the hair growth cycle.
Skin Problems: Stress can exacerbate skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Can you reverse chronic stress

Although the psychological effects of stress in addition to physical and emotional effects can be profound, it is possible to stop stress and feel relieved, restored, and rejuvenated. There are many drug-free options such as incorporating healthy habits (regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, nutritious diet, etc.), traditional meditation, pursuing personal interests and hobbies, reaching out to friends and family members, spending time in nature, and effective stress management tools or practices.

Forming new habits can be challenging as the brain is wired to follow established neural pathways which are formed through repeated behaviors. Creating new habits requires forming new neural pathways, which takes time and consistent effort. The brain prefers familiar routines because they require less cognitive effort. Breaking out of this comfort zone to create new habits can be mentally exhausting.

NuCalm Rescue’s patented neuroacoustic software increases blood flow to the brain and may increase neuroplasticity which helps to reconfigure circuitry around current neural pathways and prime the brain for new behaviors and habits.

Is chronic stress curable

Effectively managing symptoms of stress and anxiety involves a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle changes, therapeutic interventions like NuCalm Rescue, and sometimes medical support. While chronic stress or environmental stressors may not be entirely curable, their impact on your mind and body and your response can change.

Listen to NuCalm Rescue with noise-canceling headphones, recline in a comfortable place, and wear a light-blocking mask for best results. Rescue’s neuroacoustic software uses a patented formula woven underneath the journey music which stops the stress response and guides you to a rested and restored state.

There isn’t an exact number, but many experts agree that about 40% of adults worldwide are currently experiencing chronic stress at any given time. Effectively managing short-term stress so you can ward off chronic stress starts with NuCalm Rescue. Sign up for the 7-day free trial today.