The body’s physiological response to stress
With final exams coming up, students have begun to study and spend all their free time in the library or empty classrooms. For those hoping to boost their overall mark with their exam, the pressure is on to study class notes and textbook readings. This is when stress manifests itself the most.
Did you know that stress can physiologically affect the body? The American Psychological Association, a hub for scientific and professional research regarding psychology, outlined the different bodily responses to stress.
At the most basic and common level, stress can cause headaches and migraines. When the body is stressed, the muscles tense until the stressful period is over. During long periods of stress, the muscles are tensed so extremely that they can be the reason for many tension headaches and migraines. Unfortunately, alongside muscle tension, stress can cause issues with the heart. Sometimes when stressed, you can hear your heart beating (and often quickly). That is because the heart muscles are contracting stronger and faster than in a rested state. Because more blood is racing to the heart, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol are produced by the adrenal glands and cause the body to enter a “fight or flight” state. The skin might become flushed or pale, and pupils will dilate. Long periods of this type of stress makes the body more susceptible to heart attacks, hypertension, and strokes.
During the fight or flight response, the liver produces glucose to give the muscles energy to protect itself. Once the stress has passed, in most people, excess glucose is absorbed, but in groups susceptible to Type 2 diabetes — like those with obesity or certain Indigenous groups — that excess sugar can enhance the possibility of being diagnosed with this condition.
Stress also has negative effects on testosterone and sperm production. If excess amounts of the stress hormone cortisol are in the system often, normal biochemical functioning can be altered and cause erectile dysfunction or impotence. During menstrual cycles, premenstrual symptoms (PMS) may become intensified with bloating, cramps, and mood swings.
To combat the negative effects of stress on the body, get adequate amounts of sleep, exercise regularly, and have a healthy social support network. The Library, Central Student Association (CSA), and Student Life have self-care events over the exam period to help students combat stress.
Photo obtained via Unsplash via Gabriel Matula