How Stress Can Affect Your Energy
Updated: Apr 4
Are you recently feeling that your energy levels are all over the place? Do you feel lazy or tired throughout the day? Or feel tired even after you sleep? The feeling of tiredness is defined by the need to sleep or rest. After a good sleep, you should feel energized and ready to meet the challenges of the day. If this isn’t the case, then you are stressed.
In times of pandemic, most of us feel exhausted all the time. Many of us are feeling all kinds of stress-physical, emotional, and financial. Stress is the normal response of the body to the challenges of life, and it causes the body to release hormones that cause the protective response to prepare it to react effectively and quickly. But overexposure or recurrent stress affects the body, its functions, and energy levels drastically.
Read below to know how stress can affect your energy:
First Stage
When the body experiences stress at first, it has its alarm reaction. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system are activated, which releases norepinephrine, cortisol, and adrenaline into the bloodstream. The body then begins to make the necessary adjustments to the energy levels. In this phase, you will experience slowing of the digestive system, muscle tension, elevated blood pressure, and reduced pain sensitivity. Initially, this response produces a burst of energy that benefits your well-being and is motivating for some.
Second Stage
This stage is of resistance. It occurs when the resources of the body are depleted. It then results in exhaustion. If the stressor isn’t removed, discomfort and illness can occur in both mind and body.
Third Stage
It begins when you are completely drained, and therefore, irritability, anxiety, and self-destruction behavior kicks in. This stage wreaks havoc on your daily lifestyle and contributes to health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and blood pressure.
What to do if stress affects your energy?
Be observant: Look out for the changes in your energy level and talk to your physician to ensure that any medical condition does not trigger the change. After ruling out the medical conditions, it is best to be observant and identify the source of stress and address it accordingly without making yourself feel exhausted physically and mentally.
Watch your diet: Stress affects your eating habits and digestive system. So, you must pay attention to your choice of food and drinks. Avoid sugar, fatty food, and alcohol as it leads to energy slumps. It is best to eat food that offers nutrition to the body to feel energetic.
Regular exercise: Exercise is essential for both mind and body. It is known to boost your mood and manage stress. It is best to find ways to exercise that make you feel energetic and not drain your energy. Going for a nice long walk or dancing to your favorite song, or stretching in your backyard can boost your mood and improve health.
It is best to stay connected with your family and friends if you are experiencing stress. Also, you should seek help from a certified psychiatric professional. They will guide you and help you manage your stress to help you feel better and energized throughout the day.