Stress impacts every aspect of the body, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine and reproductive systems. According to the American Psychological Association, when stress becomes chronic, it can have serious implications for the human body.

1. T H E P H Y S I C A L
IMPACT OF STRESS
ON THE BODY

2. M A R K L Y T T L E T O N
2
THE PHYSICAL I M PACT
OF STRE SS ON THE BO DY
Stress impacts every aspect of the body, including the respiratory, cardiovascular,
nervous, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine and reproductive systems.
According to the American Psychological Association, when stress becomes
chronic, it can have serious implications for the human body.

3. 3
M A R K L Y T T L E T O N
Sudden onset stress causes muscles to tense up all at once,
with this tension releasing when stress passes. Chronic stress
on the other hand causes muscles to be in a constant state
of guardedness, triggering other physical reactions such as
tension headaches and migraines caused by chronic muscle
tension in the head, neck and shoulders.
In the respiratory system, stress can cause rapid breathing
and shortness of breath as the airway constricts. For people
with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as chronic
obstructive pulmonary diseases or asthma, psychological
stressors can significantly exacerbate breathing problems.
Chronic stress can also contribute to long-term problems
with the blood vessels and heart, triggering a sustained
increase in heart rate and elevated blood pressure and levels
of stress hormones, all of which take their toll on the body
and increase the risk of hypertension, stroke or heart attack.
Chronic
stress can also
contribute
to long-term
problems with
the blood vessels
and heart.

4. You can learn more about the
importance of managing stress and
achieving a healthy work/life balance by
visiting the blog of Mark Lyttleton.