What is Body Stress?

Mechanical stress refers to the force placed on the body whilst subject to a physical activity, operation, fracture or an accident. 

Our bodies are designed to handle certain levels of physical stress and they adapt over time to strengthen in response to regular mechanical loads and movements. 

However, if the stress exceeds our capacity to adapt, it can result in pain, stiffness, fractures, sprains and posture distortion. 

Therefore, being aware of our posture such as the way we sit, lift heavy objects and sleep, can be helpful in preventing future issues.

Emotional stress is the psychological response by our body when it is under emotional pressure such as anxiety, frustration or sadness. When we are emotionally stressed, our bodies trigger a 'fight or flight' response which releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. 

These hormones activate responses such as an increase in heart rate, an increase in blood pressure or muscle stimulation to induce protective action. 

An overload of emotional stress can lead to muscle tension, headaches or  mental health challenges and, when severe, organ dysfunction.  

Chemical stress refers to that induced by external or internal chemicals which can cause disruption in normal body function.

Examples of external chemicals are exposure to toxins, pollutants or harmful substances such as alcohol or drugs, while internal chemical stress results from imbalances in hormones such as cortisol and insulin, which can cause significant health issues if severe. 

Therefore it is important to be aware of one's lifestyle choices and to maintain a healthy chemical balance in the body for overall health and well-being.