The Connection Between Stress & Physical Health: How Stress Management Therapy Can Help

We know that stress affects us emotionally and mentally, but what about physically? Does stress management therapy in Toronto, ON help? Join MK Counselling and Psychotherapy as I talk about the connection between stress and physical health. 

Unlocking the Body-Mind Connection: Exploring Stress and Physical Health

First things first, how can stress appear in our bodies? It’s important to note that experiencing stress doesn’t necessarily mean that your health will suffer. As mentioned in previous posts, stress is not necessarily a “bad thing”. However, stress can have different effects on us depending on our relationship to it.

In other words, instead of treating the stress in the body like a problem, I like to encourage my clients to consider how they can connect and communicate more effectively with their bodies. This not only takes a less punitive approach to our physical symptoms, but it helps us understand how our bodies might be trying to do their job in reacting to stress. 

Understanding the Physical Impact of Stress

For example, when experiencing stress or a traumatic event, our brain signals the release of certain hormones that help prep the body to react into fight or flight mode. Because our bodies will need the energy to react in fight or flight, the brain signals the body to divert energy to the most important places. Your blood pressure will rise, meaning blood will travel faster through the body to deliver oxygen to the muscles. Maybe your breathing will quicken to also increase oxygen delivery to the muscles; muscles will tense in preparation to move quickly. Then your digestion will decrease to conserve energy for the muscles to use.

Sounds like the body is doing an incredible job of protecting us from a perceived threat, right? Right! Ultimately, when the perceived threat is no longer present (ie. the stressful or traumatic event subsides), our hormone levels should return to normal, and so should our bodily functions. Problems can arise when we experience chronic stress and our system has little time to recover. Therefore, it’s important to develop an awareness of how our bodies might be holding onto chronic stress.

Recognizing Chronic Stress Symptoms

Below are just a few physical symptoms of burnout or stress:

• Aches, pain and muscle tension in body 

• Insomnia, trouble sleeping (which can worsen physical issues) 

• Headaches, migraines

• Stomach pain or digestive issues 

• Cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure 

• Weakened immune system 

The Role of Stress Management Therapy in Toronto, ON

Talking with a therapist about acute stress, chronic stress, and how it impacts your body, can help manage the impacts of stress in several ways. First, using psychoeducation to understand how and why our body reacts the way it does is beneficial in developing mindfulness and self-compassion towards our bodies. We are trying to replace the reaction of “Why is my body causing me problems?” with: “How is my body trying to help me right now and what is it needing?”. Also, a therapist can help guide you in experimenting with different stress management techniques. Experimenting is the key word because everyone has unique needs when it comes to soothing their system. 

Exploring Body-Based Stress Management Techniques

Here are a few examples of body-based stress management techniques you might explore with a stress therapist and on your own: 

1. Soothing self-touch: in compassion-focused therapy, soothing self-touch can help our bodies feel safe. This could be placing a hand on your heart, placing both hands on your stomach, using both arms to give yourself a gentle hug, or maybe gently holding your face with your hands. 

2. Deep breathing: practicing slow, deep breathing patterns can help calm your nervous system. Try breathing through your nose for 4 counts, while exhaling through your mouth for slightly longer (6 counts).  

3. Progressive muscle relaxation: Try tensing certain muscle groups for a moment, and then releasing. You can start with the lower part of your body, starting with your toes and then moving all the way up to the muscles in your face. This can help release the physical tension in the muscles that build up from chronic stress. 

4. Stretching or gentle movement to help release physical tension. 

These are just some basic examples of body-based stress management techniques. There are certainly many more you can explore in stress management therapy in Toronto, ON. It may take some time to learn which techniques help you specifically, which is why consistent practice with a stress therapist is key. 

Starting Your Stress Management Counselling Journey Today!

Discover practical tips, real-life stories, and expert advice to help you navigate the challenges of stress and rediscover the joy in life. Are you ready to start developing a more mindful approach to stress? MK Counselling and Psychotherapy is ready to guide you towards a stress-free life! Follow these simple steps to get started:

1. Contact me so I can hear your story.

2. Begin therapy for stress management in Toronto, ON.

3. Heal your body and mind while enjoying life again.

Other Services I Provide as a Stress Therapist in Toronto, ON

I offer customized services at Michelle Kent Counselling and Psychotherapy to meet your unique needs. I empathize with the demands of work life and am dedicated to helping you navigate and overcome stress. In addition to therapy for stress management in Toronto, ON, I specialize in first responder counselling, young caregiver stress, grief, and more.