We are often consumed with how stress can cause us to experience mood changes, sleep pattern disruptions and overall anxiety. But what about the physical symptoms that appear and become chronic? Gastrointestinal (GI) distress, headaches, back pain, TMJ, hormonal imbalances and extreme fatigue (to name a few) can all be the result of stress.
Listen to your body
So how do we know if our physical ailments are the result of stress, and how do we treat it? Learning to listen to your body is the first step in understanding if what you’re experiencing is directly related to stress. Do you find that your stomach gets upset when you have a lot going on, or you tend to lose your appetite (or eat more) when you feel overwhelmed? These are both signs that your body is battling an internal imbalance, not a stomach bug. We’ve been conditioned to believe that any and all physical symptoms must be attributed to a true medical condition, instead of looking at it from a holistic perspective.
There are definitely circumstances where you may in fact have a medical condition and may need specific treatment, but it should become a habit to analyze outside factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. The dreaded culprit of back pain is another good example. There are millions of people suffering from back pain in our country, and a lot of times physicians are quick to recommend invasive procedures or prescription medication to help alleviate their symptoms. Chemical and physical reactions take place in your body when you are under stress, causing an involuntary tightening of your muscles due to an increase in cortisol and adrenaline levels. This can display as back pain in certain individuals and may branch out to include other physical symptoms.
Reflect on your needs
Becoming aware that physical symptoms may be related to stress is the first step in treating these ailments at the root cause instead of masking them. Once you’re able to reflect and listen to your body, the next step is to make it a priority to listen to your needs! Holistic therapies are often neglected as a primary means of treatment. Analyzing the body through this perspective allows for a unique approach that focuses on physical, emotional and spiritual health that develops a plan to align and balance the body.
Keep an open mind
Specific treatment therapies that are ideal for treating physical symptoms caused by stress include nutrition plans, mindset exercises, meditation, breathwork, hypnosis, reiki and many other modalities. Nutrition is one of the most important variables in your health, especially as it relates to stress and overall wellness. The term “food is medicine” was coined for a reason; how you fuel your body can have a direct impact on preventing and treating physical ailments. Try to keep an open mind when it comes to your health, and don’t disregard alternative therapies in your quest for relief of physical symptoms!