The truth about the effects of stress on the mind and body
Worried. Anxious. Disheartened. Busy. If any of these are familiar to you, it’s likely you are also familiar with stress. By now it’s no secret that stress does more harm than good. Work/retirement, family life, finances, personal and societal pressures... there are a million reasons why we all get frazzled, and they all can take a toll.
In an effort to better understand how this unease can affect our mind and body, Popular Science magazine took a closer look at the science behind worrying in this month’s issue. Here we’ve rounded up the key learnings and statistics about how stress can shape our lives – and what to do about it.
Stress runs deep
Unfortunately the emotions associated with stress don’t just affect us on the outside. Stress can actually influence us on a cellular level and even mess with our biological systems. Amy Cuddy, a Harvard University social psychologist, explains it like this: “Our bodies change our minds, and our minds can change our behavior, and our behavior can change outcomes."
Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, can negatively affect our cardiovascular system, cells, metabolic system, nervous system and digestive system. Chronic worry may also increase our risk for heart attack, contribute to irritable bowl syndrome or could lead to changes in the brain.
It’s a matter of the mind, too
According to Popular Science magazine, 30 percent of US adults say stress affects their physical health and 33 percent say it has an impact on their mental health. To lighten the heavy mental load, aim to have a good laugh – and often! Research shows a little giggle releases endorphins from the brain and can improve your mood.
It can be sleep saboteur
Coritsol tends to follow its own natural rhythm, spiking in the morning and then again overnight. This can be a particularly problematic for those who have stress-related mental health disorders. According to the National Institutes of Health, people with depression have abnormally high levels of cortisol in the body, which may negatively impact body cycles – including sleep, Popular Science magazine reported.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone
A study conducted by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that our stress levels have steadily increased over the years – but the good news is, our worry tends to decrease with age. Financial concerns are also a major influence on how stressed we feel.
Tips for managing stress
These statistics may sound gloomy, but there is a bright side: Managing these emotions is entirely in our control. In fact, easing your stress may be as simple as tweaking your perspective. Columbia University researchers found that those who sat in expansive positions with their arms and legs spread out for two minutes saw lower levels of the stress hormone than those in more tighter poses, according to Popular Science.
You may also want to ensure you add some regular exercise, meditation and socialising to your schedule. Research shows that these activities can also help ease tension.
Acute stress is one thing, but chronic worrying could be a sign of bigger health issues, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed you should speak to your doctor.
Related links:
The 4 qualities of happy people
How to reboot when you’re feeling stuck
Yoga – the perfect exercise for over-60s
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