National Stress Awareness Month: Stress Isn’t All in Your Mind

Stress isn’t just something you feel—it can affect your entire body. During National Stress Awareness Month, health experts want people to know that stress can lead to real, physical symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.

Anita Lesco, a longtime nurse anesthetist, learned this firsthand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she pushed through her fear and anxiety day after day at work. But in March 2022, after two long years on the front lines, Lesco had the first panic attack of her life. As she shared with AARP Magazine, it was frightening—and it wasn’t her last.

Panic attacks are one of the most extreme ways stress can show up in the body. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people will experience at least one panic attack in their lifetime, and for some, they become a regular problem. These sudden episodes can include racing heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath. People often describe it as feeling like they’re dying—but panic attacks are treatable, especially when people understand the signs.

Of course, stress doesn’t always show up so dramatically. Often, it hides in plain sight through smaller physical symptoms. That’s why understanding what stress can do to your body is so important.

What Stress Can Do to Your Body

Headaches:
Stress is a top cause of both tension headaches and migraines, according to experts at Henry Ford Health. If you find yourself reaching for pain relievers more often than usual, stress might be the hidden trigger.

Lower back pain:
You might think back pain always comes from heavy lifting or bad posture. But Dr. Lynn Dado of Henry Ford Health says that most lower back pain is not a mechanical problem. Instead, it often comes from tight muscles caused by stress and anxiety.

Jaw pain and teeth grinding:
Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night is a common response to stress—one many people don’t even notice until it causes jaw pain, headaches, or even shoulder and neck tension.

Digestive problems:
Stress can upset your stomach just as much as your mind. It can increase stomach acid, which may cause nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, or other digestive issues. If your stomach feels off during stressful times, it’s likely no coincidence.

Weakened immune system:
Chronic stress can lower your body’s ability to fight illness. That means you may catch colds more easily or take longer to recover from common sicknesses. Stress doesn’t cause viruses—but it can make your body less able to handle them.

Managing the Stress You Can’t See

The good news is that you can take steps to manage your stress—and protect your health in the process. The Mayo Clinic recommends simple but powerful habits, like taking walks outdoors, getting quality sleep, eating a balanced diet, and spending time on hobbies you enjoy.

Even small actions can make a difference. Whether it’s reading a book, calling a friend, or simply breathing deeply for a few minutes, finding ways to relax helps your mind—and your body.

If your physical symptoms don’t go away with lifestyle changes, it’s important to talk to your doctor. You may need treatment to manage stress-related conditions or to check for other possible causes. Either way, taking stress seriously is a smart step toward better health.

This April, let National Stress Awareness Month be a reminder: your body and mind are deeply connected. And when you take care of one, you’re helping both.