The Stress Test

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7 signs your stress levels are becoming toxic - and causing you physical pain.

Have you ever felt like your pain is lingering and you just can't get a hold on things because you're exhausted, can't focus, and are always getting sick? Well, stress may be the culprit.

Stress in the modern world

The world we live in is full of stress triggers - imminent deadlines, challenging relationships, new jobs, financial difficulties, illness of a loved one. It is a part of living in the 21st century.

Studies show that Australians are as stressed out as the rest of the world. Gallup's Global Emotions Report found that around 35% of people experienced a lot of stress the previous day. But we don't need a global survey to tell us that each and every one of us experiences stress. The difference is what effect that stress has on each of us - stress can affect all aspects of our lives, including our emotions, behaviours, and physical health.

So what is stress?

Our stress response is a life-saving response, designed to act quickly in reaction to harmful situations - whether they are real or perceived. This fight or flight response causes an automatic surge in the release of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. Super helpful if you need to fight off an intruder or flee for your life - but perhaps less necessary when the printer jams.

Your heart rate increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten, and blood pressure rises. Cortisol floods the bloodstream with glucose to provide energy to your muscles, while shutting down non-essential functions like your digestive and reproductive systems and immune response.

Once the danger resolves, stress levels gradually return to normal. The real issue lies in the fact that modern stressors often present differently to those our ancestors faced. Stressful relationships, constant deadlines, and financial worries last longer and occur more often - the hormone surge is no longer fleeting, and this starts to take its toll.

Long-term overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can contribute to:

1. Decreased energy
2. Insomnia
3. Digestive problems
4. Frequent colds or infections
5. Inability to focus
6. Low self-esteem and depression
7. Aches, pains and tense muscles

Keeping those stress levels down

Learning to manage your stress is the key to keeping your health in check. Here are five lifestyle choices proven to reduce stress and anxiety - and lower those cortisol levels:

1. Regular physical activity
2. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, mindfulness and meditation
3. Social connectivity (connecting with people - not just liking their posts)
4. Laughter
5. Music

Well, I'm off for a meditative run to a comedy show with a friend while listening to music. You may find it's less stressful to just do one of these at a time.

- Laura

This article was written by Laura Chapman, osteopath at Agility Osteopathy in South Melbourne. For personalised advice, book an appointment with our team.