When we experience persisting stress, our body tries to maintain the fight-or-flee response. This instinctive response affects every single system in our body. In time, our body is unable to meet the demands and we become ill.

Muscular system: Muscles are designed to tense and relax; under stress, the muscles may not relax and become fatigued or injured. Symptoms: Back pain, leg cramps, jaw pain, neck and shoulder pain, tension headaches, muscle aches, trembling or shaking…

Immune system: Constant stress depresses our immune systems and reduces our ability to fight infections. Symptoms: Acne, colds/flus, sores in mouth, herpes, skin rash, asthma, allergies, yeast infection, cancer…

Non-Vital system: Under stress, less supply of energy and oxygen is sent to the non-vital systems (digestive, urinary) which slow down and eventually become weakened. Symptoms: Heartburn, indigestion, colitis, Chron’s Disease, nausea, water retention, weight gain or loss, diarrhea, constipation, urination difficulties, sexual dysfunction…

Vital system: Stress hormones make the heart pump and cause the blood vessels to constrict. Symptoms: chest pain, dizziness, high blood pressure, migraine, strokes, heart disease, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, cold hands or feet…

Hormonal System: Stress hormones act on other glands in our body to release quick energy; eventually, the hormonal system cannot function normally. Symptoms: arthritic joint pain, diabetes, infertility, lowered sexual desire, menstrual difficulties.

Emotional system: Stress affects chemical reactions in our brain and intensifies our emotions. Symptoms: anger, anxiety, guilt, depression, restless, jealousy, worries, hopelessness, panic attacks, insecurity…

Cognitive System: Our brain becomes hyperactive under stress, and in time, it becomes easily stimulated even with lower levels of stress hormones. Symptoms: boredom, low energy, poor judgment, racing thoughts, insomnia, nightmares, preoccupation, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, and distrust…