This is because ongoing stress causes our bodies to constantly producecortisolwhich creates inflammation in the body.
This negatively impacts our immune system by reducing our white blood cells that are responsible for fighting infections.
Stress can also affect our sleep and worsen existing medical conditions.
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Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
Its been shown that 60% to 80% of primary care visits may have a stress-related component.
When our body is under stress, it releases cortisol.
Cortisol is a stress hormone that can cause inflammation when released too regularly into the body.
This inflammatory response can be helpful to fight off germs and illness in the short term.
Our bodys white blood cells (lymphocytes) which help fight infections also decrease when we experience chronic stress.
This makes us more prone to colds, the flu, and other infections.
When our body is under stress, it releases cortisol.
Cortisol is a stress hormone that can cause inflammation when released too regularly into the body.
In addition, weve all lost sleep when were stressed.
Sleep is an integral part of healthy immune system functioning.
When our sleep is regularly disrupted, it can weaken our immune system.
How Can I Know If Stress Is the Reason Im Sick?
Your body may respond to a certain level of stress differently than someone elses body.
What Are the Symptoms of Stress-Related Sickness?
Dr. Mills highlighted how hormones play in our stress and relaxation response.
The opposite of stress is relaxation, and the hormone for relaxation is oxytocin.
Dr. Mills explained that these activities activate our hormone dopamine in response to stress, not oxytocin.
Here are a few activities that can powerfully activate oxytocin in your body.
Look into the apps Calm or Headspace for guided meditations or tolearn how to meditate on your own.
Breathwork
Breathworkcan be as simple as starting and ending the day with five deep belly breaths.Dr.
Gentle Yoga
Yogacan be an effective antidote to stress.
Take a break and go for a walk around the block.
Practice your deep breathing, swing your arms, look around, and just enjoy being alive!
Dancingwhether on your own or in a classis a terrific way to destress while also getting your blood pumping.
Put on some fun music and free-form shake out all your angst with your own rebel dance routine.
Join an online or in-person class, or meet up with friends for an impromptu dance party.
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