Stress: Destroyer of Bodies...

​What does stress do to the human body? The American Psychological Association describes negative effects to nearly every structure in the system in its article "The Stress Effects on the Body". 

The article outlines chronic painful conditions disorders of the musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, long-term problems for heart, blood vessels and the cardiovascular system, adrenal glands and endocrine system, the liver, gastrointestinal system, esophagus, stomach, bowels, nervous system, the male and female reproductive system, sexual desire, menstruation, menopause, etc.

Stress can sometimes seem like a force that we are powerless to overcome, but the stress we experience most commonly comes from our minds. That stress is then converted into involuntary muscle contractions in the body. The blood flow, and oxygen to those muscles will be severely reduced in a constant state of muscle contraction. Over time the muscles will eventually spasm and fail due to lack of oxygen. Once the constriction is gone, the blood flow and oxygen return to normal, and then the pain will be gone.

What can we do to make sure stress doesn't destroy our good health?

A few things can help:

• learn how to relax all the muscles in your body
• reduce your exposure to situations that cause you stress
• make the decision to stop negative reactions to stressors
• take the time to review and understand what are the experiences, thoughts, and emotions that cause you stress. 

​Please see the informative article below.

 Peace to you all in the New Year!

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Stress Effects on the Body - American Psychological Association