What does worry do to the body?

Physical Symptoms

Worry is something that not only affects us mentally but can affect us physically as well. It can disrupt neurotransmitters and other bodily functions that we rely on daily. Some physical symptoms of worry include increased heart rate, increased rate of breathing, and raising of blood pressure. Constant stress and worry can result in heart problems, muscles, and other symptoms over time. Problems such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and chronic pain can result from constant stress and worry throughout the lifetime.

Muscle Tension

Another physical side effect of worry is muscles tensing up in preparation for certain “danger.” Tensing of these muscles constantly can lead to migraines, pain, soreness, and tension headaches. Constant stress and worry can also lead to a compromised immune system due to constantly being “on guard” for danger. This could potentially lead to infections and diseases which result in inflammation in the body, worsening things like muscle or joint pain.

Breathing Issues

Worry and anxiety are typically experienced as shortness of breath and, in some cases hyperventilating. Panic attacks are characterized by feeling like one will have a heart attack or die due to lack of oxygen. This can cause problems for lung disorders or asthma, further complicating these illnesses and causing distress.

Heart Rate

When sensing danger, the body responds by increasing heart rate to pump blood out to important body regions. This can result in heart palpitations or feeling like your heart is beating faster than it should. Heart palpitations can lead to feelings of having a heart attack, leading to over-focusing on heart rate, causing more stress, anxiety, and worry.

Stomach Issues

Worry and stress can also impact the stomach and digestive symptoms in the body. Symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and heartburn can all result from stress and anxiety. Chronic stress and mental health symptoms have been linked to certain gastrointestinal problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease, and others.

Worry, stress, and anxiety impact the body in multiple ways. These feelings “prime” your body for action and result in numerous responses to a perceived danger. Constant feelings of worry and stress can over-tax the body resulting in some of the problems discussed above: increased heart rate, gastrointestinal issues, muscle tension, headaches, and even panic attacks. Worry and stress are felt not only mentally but also physically. Dealing with worry, stress, and anxiety involves dealing with the mental part and focusing on the physical side of things. Physical remedies like yoga, muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and other things focused on bodily sensations can help manage and reduce anxiety, worry, and stress in individuals.