5 health signs related to stress and how to fix them
By Akanni Dorcas
Stress isn’t just an emotional experience; it can also show up physically in ways that affect your everyday life. While it’s normal to feel stress now and then, ongoing stress can lead to noticeable symptoms that make life harder.
Here are five common signs that stress might be taking a toll on your body, plus practical ways to manage each one.
1. Frequent headaches
Frequent headaches are one of the most common ways stress impacts the body. When we’re stressed, muscles around the neck and head can tighten, leading to tension headaches.
How to Feel Better: To help reduce these headaches, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, gentle stretching, or a quick 5-10-minute break to clear your mind. Regular exercise, staying hydrated, and cutting down on caffeine can also make a big difference in preventing these headaches.
2. Upset stomach and digestive issues
Stress can throw off your digestive system, leading to cramps, indigestion, or even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can slow down or speed up digestion, causing all sorts of uncomfortable symptoms.
How to Feel Better: Mindful eating can make a big difference. Take your time with meals by eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and savouring each bite. Adding fibre-rich foods and probiotics to your diet can also keep your digestion on track. Avoid heavy, spicy foods, and cut back on caffeine and alcohol, which can make things worse when you’re stressed.
Read Also: 5 easy ways to relieve stress
3. Trouble sleeping
Stress can make it tough to fall asleep or stay asleep. When you’re stressed, your mind is often racing, and your body stays on high alert, making it hard to relax enough for a good night’s rest.
How to Feel Better: Set up a calming bedtime routine. Avoid screens, caffeine, and big meals before bed. Deep breathing, calming sounds, or guided meditation can help you relax. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule—going to bed and waking up at the same time each day—can also improve your sleep quality.
4. Low energy and fatigue
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Chronic stress can drain your energy and leave you feeling tired all the time. This happens because stress keeps your body constantly on alert, using up a lot of energy.
How to Feel Better: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and eating well-balanced meals. Short, frequent breaks during the day and light physical activity (like a quick walk) can also give you an energy boost. Deep breathing and mindfulness can help reduce stress, leaving you with more energy to get through the day.
5. Getting sick more often
When you’re stressed, your immune system takes a hit, making it easier for you to catch colds, infections, and even more serious health problems over time.
How to Feel Better: You have no choice but to focus on self-care. Eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly can strengthen your immune system. Surrounding yourself with supportive people and practicing stress-relief activities like yoga or meditation can also help your body fight off illness more effectively.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, a few simple changes can help you manage stress and feel better. Finding the right stress-relief techniques for you is key—everyone is different. And if these symptoms persist, it’s always wise to check in with a healthcare provider for medical advice.
Taking steps to manage stress now can lead to a healthier, more balanced life in the long run.
