Alexandria Wyckoff
Stress is our body’s natural way of responding to demands or threats, kicking defenses into high gear and releasing adrenaline and cortisol. While some amounts of stress are normal and our bodies are equipped to handle them, high stress levels are a different story. It can have negative effects on the body, and if it isn’t dealt with in healthy ways, the mind and body can suffer. By identifying these six warning signs of high stress levels and taking care of them in healthy ways, you can protect your mind and body for years to come.
6. Dry Mouth/Trouble Swallowing
Starting our list of warning signs for high stress levels is dry mouth or having trouble swallowing. Since stress activates the “fight or flight” response, it suppresses non-essential functions, leading to reduced saliva production and tightened throat muscles. With less moisture and a tight throat, it may feel like your mouth is a desert and you can’t seem to swallow properly.
5. Muscle Aches/Pains
Fifth on our list of warning signs for high stress levels is muscle aches and pains. Perhaps that persistent ache in your neck is not just because you slept wrong on your pillow. Stress triggers chronic tension, with cortisol and adrenaline causing your muscles to tense up. Over time, this constant state of tightness can cause pain and stiffness, especially in your neck, back, and shoulders.
4. High Blood Pressure
Next on our list of warning signs of high stress levels is hypertension or high blood pressure. Stress hormones increase the heart rate and narrow blood vessels, leading to a jump in blood pressure to help deal with a perceived threat. However, if you have chronic stress, this can lead to long-term hypertension and may require medication depending on your blood pressure levels.
3. Skin Irritation
Rounding out the top three warning signs of high stress levels is skin irritation. Stress causes skin irritation because the hormones released induce inflammation, weaken the skin barrier, increase oil production, and alter the skin’s microbiome. This can lead to a host of problems, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, hives, and even heightened sensitivity.
2. Upset Stomach
Second on our list of warning signs of high stress levels is an upset stomach. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on the digestive system due to muscle tension and the weakening of the intestinal barrier. Common symptoms of stress include stomach pain, heartburn, loss of appetite, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and even throwing up.
1. Hair Loss
Last but not least on our list of warning signs of high stress levels is hair loss. Our hair falls out naturally all the time, set in a cycle of growth, rest, and falling out to make room for new hair. Most of the time, each strand is in a different phase of this cycle, and stress can negatively impact it. It can lead hair follicles to enter a “resting phase” where they don’t produce new strands, making the old strands shed more easily. This can even lead to noticeable hair loss.