Physical Effects of Stress
and Stress Reducers

The physical effects of stress on the body are multifaceted. Life is busy for most people. There are deadlines to meet, frustrations to deal with and demands to be met. And this is before 8 am.

If you frequently find yourself feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, it's time to take action to bring your nervous system and your life back into balance.

Main Effects

If there is one main cause of stress it must be life. Life is demanding. Of course we must realize that we have made it that way.

Here are some of the ways stress will affect the body:

• Pain of any kind
• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Digestive problems
• Sleep problems
• Depression
• Obesity
• Autoimmune diseases
• Skin conditions, such as eczema

There may not be just one main cause of stress. And stressors will change over time. One year it may be money, another year it may be your marriage. Or maybe it is the money you spent on your marriage.

What causes stress depends, at least in part, on your perception of it. Something that's stressful to you may not faze someone else; they may even enjoy it.

Here are some external and internal causes of stress:

• Major life changes
• Work
• Relationship difficulties
• Financial problems
• Being too busy
• Children and family
• Pessimism
• Negative self-talk
• Unrealistic expectations
• Perfectionism
• Lack of assertiveness

Tips on How to Relieve Stress

Thankfully there are things you can do to reduce the effects of stress on the body and on your mind.

• Strengthen your relationships. Spend time with the people you enjoy and love. Volunteer. Take a class or join a group.


• Take stock of your emotional health. Read some self help articles. Learn how to laugh. Compile a list of things that you are grateful for.


• Give yourself permission to relax. Meditate. Practice yoga and deep breathing. Sitting quietly for even a few minutes will do wonders to bring stress levels down. These activities boost your feelings of joy and serenity.

Related pages:

How to manage stress
How to reduce stress
Best ways to relax
How to meditate techniques
How to beat fear