How Stress Shows Up In The Body and What Helps
Stress affects more than just your thoughts. For many people, stress shows up physically, in headaches, tense muscles, stomach issues, and sleep disturbances. When the nervous system is under pressure, the body prepares to protect you, even when there is no immediate danger.
Understanding how stress affects your body can help you recognise early signs, take gentle action, and support your emotional and physical wellbeing.
How Stress Affects the Body
When we experience stress, the brain activates the fight-or-flight response. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline increase heart rate, sharpen alertness, and tighten muscles. While helpful in short bursts, persistent stress can leave your body feeling constantly tense and drained. Many people notice physical anxiety symptoms such as racing thoughts, restlessness, and feeling on edge when navigating prolonged stress in daily life.
Research from the Mental Health Foundation highlights that 74% of UK adults felt overwhelmed or unable to cope due to stress in the past year. For many, this stress manifests physically, including headaches, fatigue, stomach discomfort, and sleep disruption. These symptoms are common responses to stress, not signs of weakness, and recognising them early is an important step in protecting your health.
Common Physical Signs of Stress
Stress can affect many systems in the body. People often experience:
- Muscle tension, jaw clenching, or neck and back pain
- Digestive changes, such as nausea or appetite shifts
- Difficulty sleeping or waking up feeling unrested
- Chest tightness or a racing heartbeat
- Low energy, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating
If you notice these symptoms, you are not alone. These reactions signal that your nervous system is working hard, and your body may need rest, support, and reassurance.
What Can Help Reduce Stress in the Body
Stress relief is not about “staying positive”, it is about supporting your nervous system and giving your body space to settle. Practices such as slow breathing, grounding exercises, gentle stretching, and regular movement can help calm physical tension. Creating moments of rest, connecting with supportive people, and practising self-compassion also make a meaningful difference.
Speaking with a psychologist can help you explore what is contributing to stress, understand your physical symptoms, and develop tailored strategies to soothe your body and mind. With the right support, many people notice reduced tension, improved emotional resilience, and a greater sense of control.
