Stress Can Wreak Havoc On Your Health

By Emily - Mindful Career Journey

I’ve always prioritized living a healthy lifestyle, but I noticed something that concerned me……

I was getting sick more frequently.  At first, it was exhaustion - not the kind where a good night’s sleep would fix, but the kind where my body felt like it just didn’t want to move.  No amount of rest helped.   

Then came the stomach pains.  They started off mild, but quickly became severe.  I remember having a heating pad on my stomach even during the summer months just to get some relief from the pain.  Maybe this is TMI, but after every meal, within 10-15 minutes, I was running to the bathroom.  I kept asking myself…….What’s wrong with me?  

The doctors diagnosed it as a stomach virus, assuring me it would work its way out of my system.  When the pain became unbearable, I demanded something for relief.  The doctors finally gave me a prescription for Cipro, but warned me that if it was viral, it wouldn’t help.  For those who have taken Cipro, you know it wipes out almost everything in your system……everything except stress.  

After further follow-ups, tests, and examinations, I finally got my answer.  My stomach pains were stress induced……stress was the culprit.  Chronic stress had taken a toll on my body in ways I never expected.  And the solution?  More prescriptions - this time, stomach relaxers.  

Here’s what I learned:  Our digestive system is lined with muscles that contract and relax.  When we’re under stress, those muscles tighten, spasm, and cramp, leading to IBS symptoms, ulcers, and pain.

For someone who avoids medication unless absolutely necessary, this was a wake-up call.  Something had to change.  

Stress itself isn’t the enemy - we need it to push ourselves and grow.  But chronic stress, the kind that chips away at your health…………that’s when we need to take action.  

The stress hormone, cortisol, affects everyone differently.  Some experience headaches and migraines, while others deal with high blood pressure or panic attacks.  For me, it was my stomach.  

When I finally made the necessary changes - adjusting my lifestyle, setting boundaries, managing stress more intentionally, my symptoms didn't disappear overnight, but they did improve.  My body felt the relief.  

Our bodies are always talking to us, we just need to take a moment to listen.