THE PHYSICAL

I M PAC T O F S T R E S S
O N T H E B O DY
 2 M A R K L Y T T L E T O N

T H E P H YS I CA L I M PA C T
OF STRESS ON THE BODY
Stress impacts every aspect of the body, including the respiratory, cardiovascular,
nervous, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine and reproductive systems.
According to the American Psychological Association, when stress becomes
chronic, it can have serious implications for the human body.
M A R K L Y T T L E T O N 3

Sudden onset stress causes muscles to tense up all at once,

Chronic with this tension releasing when stress passes. Chronic stress
on the other hand causes muscles to be in a constant state
stress can also of guardedness, triggering other physical reactions such as
tension headaches and migraines caused by chronic muscle
contribute tension in the head, neck and shoulders.

to long-term In the respiratory system, stress can cause rapid breathing

and shortness of breath as the airway constricts. For people

problems with with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as chronic

obstructive pulmonary diseases or asthma, psychological

the blood vessels stressors can significantly exacerbate breathing problems.

Chronic stress can also contribute to long-term problems

and heart. with the blood vessels and heart, triggering a sustained
increase in heart rate and elevated blood pressure and levels
of stress hormones, all of which take their toll on the body
and increase the risk of hypertension, stroke or heart attack.
You can learn more about the
importance of managing stress and
achieving a healthy work/life balance by
visiting the blog of Mark Lyttleton.