Stress, which refers to external stimuli or changes and consequent physical, mental, and behavioral responses, is an unavoidable part of daily life. When stressed, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, which not only allows you to respond immediately to changes in the external and internal environment, but also enables you to respond well to emergency situations where you fight minutely, and it is essential for survival, such as helping you better adapt to and change the environment. It will act as a system. In addition, it can be said that the positive effect of stress is that it acts as a lubricant that adds vitality to one’s work and life, while further enhancing the productivity and efficiency of work. However, the stress that persists despite one’s coping or adaptation increases the possibility that it will act as a negative factor causing abnormal symptoms mentally and physically. The side effects of such negative stress are getting bigger due to the complex social structure and excessive work, schoolwork, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. In addition, when the vicious cycle of excessive stress continues, the symptoms of excessively activating the secretion of stress hormones from the adrenal glands continue, acting as a direct cause of destroying the immune system, acting as a risk factor that increases the risk of various chronic diseases and metabolic diseases. will do. Excessive stress is also called the root of all ailments, and it can be said that it is the reason for these negative effects. Therefore, it can be said that it is very important to understand the abnormal signs that appear in our body when stress is severe, and to improve and manage them properly. Now, let’s take a closer look at the various physical signs that appear when you’re under a lot of stress.
Symptoms of severe stress
1. Headache
The first symptom that appears when negative stress continues to act is a headache. It can be said that these headaches are caused by stress hormones secreted in the body that cause changes in the brain and blood vessels when stressed. It’s possible.
In particular, when lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep due to sleep disturbance, excessive intake of caffeinated beverages, and lack of exercise as well as excessive stress overlap, these headache symptoms become more severe.
2. Abdominal pain
Not only headaches, but also abdominal pain is one of the symptoms of excessive stress. It is said that when you are stressed, the stomach is affected as well, which causes these symptoms of abdominal pain. In fact, as a study found that people who are under severe stress are about three times more likely to develop abdominal pain than those who do not, the relationship between stress and abdominal pain is very strong. In addition, stress can reduce the motility of the stomach and affect the normal secretion of gastric acid, leading to the occurrence of gastrointestinal-related diseases such as neurogenic gastritis and peptic ulcer.
3. Itchy skin
When extreme stress continues, symptoms such as itching of the skin, various skin problems, and acne can occur. These skin-related abnormalities correspond to symptoms caused by the weakening of the immune function that protects the skin as the production of inflammation increases, and the activation of nerve fibers. If it continues, it can cause the occurrence of various skin-related diseases and act as a major risk factor that aggravates the symptoms of existing skin diseases, so continuous management is very important.
4. Changes in weight
Sudden weight gain is also one of the symptoms of severe stress. If you try to relieve stress through food intake, it can cause sudden weight gain. In particular, the occurrence of stress further increases the desire to consume sweet foods containing simple sugar, and if you continue to eat too much sweet foods, you will not only gain weight but also increase the risk of various gastrointestinal diseases by putting strain on the stomach. It’s possible. In addition, excessive intake of such sweet foods affects the normal secretion of insulin, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels repeatedly, which can lead to diabetes if prolonged. In addition, since severe stress can cause weight gain as well as decreased appetite, symptoms of weight loss due to reduced food intake may also appear.
other symptoms
When the stress hormone, cortisol, is excessively secreted due to excessive stress, the immune system is damaged and bacteria can easily penetrate into the gums, leading to abnormal symptoms such as bleeding gums. If these gum-related abnormalities continue, the possibility of gum disease such as periodontitis increases. In addition, since stress acts as a cause of hormonal imbalance, it also affects the worsening of menstrual cramps. Management Habits to Relieve Stress
If the various symptoms mentioned above continue, you are more easily exposed to the risk of various chronic diseases due to abnormal secretion of hormones and excessive production of inflammation. Therefore, it is important to properly manage and relieve stress through adequate rest and sleep, a balanced diet with various vitamins and minerals, and leisure activities.
In addition, regular exercise for 30 minutes or more 3 times a week or meditating can help relieve stress and reduce various related symptoms by inducing a state of mental relaxation while relaxing muscles caused by stress. there is.
