The brain and the gut are more closely related than we may think, which is why stress can have a big impact on our digestive system. Stomach cramps and bloating are silent signs that your body is stressed. High levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, can alter stomach acid production and cause inflammation, and chronic stress can make your digestive tract more sensitive
A tension headache – where you might feel like something is pressing on your head – is often caused by stress. It can also be caused by too much caffeine, which you might be reaching for if you’re trying to hit a deadline, or suffering from a lack of sleep, which you might experience if you’re up all night worrying. You might also get a ‘let-down’ headache when you finally try to relax. These happen when the body suddenly shifts from a state of stress to one of relaxation. This causes cortisol levels to dip, which leaves you more susceptible to pain
Jaw aches are another silent sign that you’re stressed out. Stress can cause us to subconsciously clench our mouths and grind our teeth, which can lead to an overload of pressure in the jaw. If you hear clicking noises when you open or close your mouth, or find it painful to chew certain foods, try jaw exercises to release the tension
Gaining weight around your stomach could also be a warning sign that your anxiety levels are higher than normal. When we’re stressed, we produce cortisol, which is one of the main stress hormones. Too much cortisol stimulates glucose production, which may be converted into fat. That means the higher your cortisol levels, the more likely you are to store excess fat
Stress can also have a big impact on your immune system. A 2012 study found that cortisol disrupts the body’s inflammatory response, which is needed to fight off a viral infection. This means that if you get a cold, the symptoms can linger around for much longer than usual if you have high levels of stress
If your appetite has changed, it could be because you are feeling anxious. Some people may lose their appetite, while others may overeat. Short-term stress triggers the release of the hormone adrenaline, which activates the body’s fight-or-flight response. This suppresses your appetite. Stress over a long period can lead to elevated cortisol, which can increase our desire to eat