TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Stress more and more people experience it. There are those who really feel it, some are not aware of it. In fact, the body warns us of the onset of problems, and if we are willing to stop and listen, we can hear them for what they are. “These signs need to be recognized in order to make changes and calm down,” said functional medicine practitioner William Cole, as quoted from the Mind Body Green page.
These are less obvious signs that your body may be experiencing chronic stress.
1. Irregular bowel movements
While you may associate irregular digestion with food intolerance, you are likely not likely to attribute changing your bathroom habits to stress. However, when you are stressed, it can lead to inflammation in the intestines and many inflammatory bowel problems. You can thank the gut-brain axis for that, as research has shown that what happens in your brain can directly affect your gut.
2. Skin problems
Cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, not only increases skin oil production, but stress also causes inflammation in your intestines, which can lead to a series of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, acne, or autoimmune-related skin conditions such as psoriasis.
3. Insomnia sudden
Ongoing stress leads to dangerously high cortisol levels. When cortisol is high, the hormone melatonin when you are sleepy is low. This should happen every morning to help you wake up, but when your cortisol is on high alert at night, you will definitely have trouble falling asleep.
4. Frequent headaches
Research has found stress to be an immediate trigger for many people who struggle with migraines. Stress can also cause bruxism while sleeping – the act of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth while sleeping – influences the development of a headache the following day.
5. Ringing in the ears
Constant ear ringing, also known as tinnitus, not only causes irritation but over time can cause uncomfortable dizziness. Research shows that chronic stress can be associated with tinnitus symptoms. Although researchers are still studying exactly how stress relates to tinnitus, managing stress levels has been suggested as a way to help improve symptoms.
6. Thinning hair
Anyone, regardless of gender can experience one of the types of hair loss related to stress. Fortunately, because stress-related hair loss doesn’t actually damage the hair follicles themselves, finding effective ways to manage stress can encourage hair to grow back.
7. Irregular menstrual cycle
Your brain’s hypothalamus is responsible for releasing chemicals that signal your pituitary gland to tell your ovaries to release estrogen and progesterone to start your period. However, high cortisol levels can damage this sensitive system causing delayed, light, or even missed periods.
8. Libido low
High stress levels have the potential to damage your sex hormones and affect libido.
9. Get sick more often
Chronic stress decreases your immune function. If you are constantly stressed, your immune system will not be ready to fight off viruses and bacteria, making you more susceptible to whatever disease comes your way. But you have the power to control stress levels, whether that means leaving stressful situations, toxic relationships, or incorporating more mindfulness practices into your daily life. If you experience any of these symptoms, take it as an invitation from your body to rest, nourish and care for it.
Read: Stress because of Work, Here’s How to Overcome It
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