What does stress do to the body?

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This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

Stress is a complex psychological and physiological reaction to assessed threats or dangers and its effects on the body are intense and diverse. According to a survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics¹, in 2020-21, 15% Australians aged 16-85 years experienced high levels of psychological distress. Think of your body as a sophisticated, hi-tech machine, ever ready to face challenges. When stress hits, it’s like pressing the turbo button—your heart pumps faster, your muscles tense up, and your mental sharpness increases. While this response is crucial to tackle immediate threats, constant stress can overstrain your system. Understanding how stress changes your body helps you to steer through intense situations and preserve maximum performance without crossing the danger zone.  

10 stress effects on the body

Understanding the impact of stress on the body is critical, since it may cause a variety of physical and mental health problems. Here are a few important effects of stress on our bodies that you should be aware of:  

1. Cardiovascular problems: Chronic stress can cause high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and an increased risk of heart disease. 
2. Digestive issues: Stress can induce stomach aches, indigestion, and conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. 
3. Weakened immunity: Prolonged stress can impair the immune system, increasing the body’s susceptibility to illnesses. 
4. Muscular tension: Stress frequently causes muscular tension, resulting in pain and discomfort, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. 
5. Hormonal imbalance: Stress can disturb hormonal balance, influencing women’s menstrual cycles and male testosterone levels. 
6. Sleep disturbances: High stress levels can cause insomnia or poor-quality sleep, resulting in weariness. 
7. Skin problems: Stress can aggravate skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. 
8. Weight gain or loss: Stress can cause changes in appetite, resulting in weight gain or loss from emotional eating or a loss of interest in food. 
9. Mental health: Chronic stress has been related to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns, all of which impact emotional well-being. 
10. Cognitive impairment: Stress can interfere with memory and attention, making it harder to focus or remember knowledge. 

When to seek help?

If you are frequently overwhelmed and unable to manage everyday activities, it is time to get help. Noticeable mood shifts, such as increased irritation or persistent sorrow, are also key indicators. If you are experiencing physical symptoms such as persistent fatigue, headaches, or gastro issues, you should get help. Furthermore, if your relationships or work performance are suffering because of stress, you must get professional aid. If you are feeling alone or have thoughts of self-harm, seek immediate help. Finally, if self-care seems unattainable and you lack valuable guidance and support to help you to regain balance and improve your overall well-being.  Planning for a stress leave from work? Get a medical certificate online without the usual hassle