The Effects of Stress and Their Impact on Your Health

Stress and health are closely connected. But what is stress? Stress is a response to a perceived threat or danger. Once upon a time, when humans were hunting and gathering, our stress response was triggered by an external danger. When that instinct was triggered, it was the body’s signal to release hormones that gave us quick wits and fast response times. This fight or flight instinct was vital to our survival.

Fast forward to our modern world. Most of us no longer need to hunt and gather to survive. Other “threats” now trigger our stress response, including factors related to things like work, finances, and relationships. Stress can be temporary or it can hang on long-term, affecting hormones, mood, illness, and all aspects of your health and wellness.

What are the effects of stress on your health?

The stress impact on health can be significant, both physically and emotionally. Consider the following downstream effects of stress:

• Colds, flu, viruses, and other illnesses

• Depression and anxiety

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Heart problems or heart attack

• Insomnia or sleep disruptions

• Irritability and anger

• Overeating

• Pain

• Stomach and gastrointestinal problems

• Substance use

• Trouble concentrating

Read entire article by Cigna