Stress is a survival instinct, in the right situation it picks up that there is something happening and it prepares the body to react. 

When stressed your body will increase your heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure. Blood will be redistributed to your muscles and to organs helping you to react quickly (such as your nervous system and brain) and away from non critical (in the short term) functions such as digestion. Symptoms of these changes can be headaches, colds, fatigue, upset stomachs and digestive system issues, anger, irritability, feelings of sadness or of low energy. 

Prolonged periods of stress can affect your body and your recovery from injuries. When constantly stressed, other systems and daily functions of your body can be impacted including your digestive, cardiovascular, reproductive systems and immune system, leaving you more susceptible to illness. Your sleep and mental health can also be influenced.

Stressors can include exercise, traumatic experiences and tasks at home, work or life situations - anything that puts your body in a heightened state.

Stressors can be big or small, occur as a once off or on a continual basis and be different for everyone.

Everyone experiences stress in different ways and have different triggers. It is important to recognise your own triggers and when you are becoming stressed and take steps towards managing the stress. Look out for our next blog on how to manage stress. 

By Mariella Berry

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Dr Mariella Berry (Osteopath)

BSC (Osteopathy), MHSc (Osteopathy)