Let’s explore how stress affects the body, how posture plays a role, and what simple steps can help you feel better.
Effects of long-term stress
When you’re stressed, your body’s “fight or flight” mode switches on. This is a normal and helpful response in the short term, preparing you to act quickly. But when this becomes constant, your body can stay stuck in that alert state – muscles tensed, breathing fast and shallow, and digestion slowed.
Over time, this can lead to:
- muscle tightness – particularly in your neck, shoulders, jaw, and back, causing tender points and discomfort tension headaches and jaw pain – often from clenching or grinding your teeth during sleep
- digestive issues – such as bloating, constipation, or irritable bowel symptoms
- fatigue – even when you’ve had enough sleep
- postural changes – like slouching, rounded shoulders, or a forward head position
- weakened immunity – chronic stress lowers immune function, making you
more prone to illness.
These signs can build gradually, and you might not immediately connect them to stress.
The link between stress and posture
We often see how stress and posture affect each other, creating an unhelpful cycle. When you feel stressed, you may unconsciously tense your muscles or adopt a slumped posture. Poor posture can then place more strain on your joints and muscles, leading to discomfort or pain – which in turn may lower your mood and increase stress.
Research suggests that maintaining an upright posture – whether sitting or standing – may improve mood, confidence, and energy levels.
Six ways to ease tension
- Address the source – if there’s something specific causing ongoing stress, try taking small steps to manage it. Mindfulness, meditation, journaling, or speaking with someone you trust can all help.
- Move regularly – stretch, walk, exercise, dance – movement helps release muscle tension and lift your mood.
- Practice mindful breathing – while seemingly simple, slow breathing has profound effects. Try this exercise: inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four. Repeat several times.
- Reset your posture – sit or stand upright, relax your shoulders and draw your chin in gently. Imagine a string lifting you from the crown of your head. Set reminders to do this every 30 minutes.
- Use self-care tools – foam rolling or tennis ball massage can ease tight muscles. Warm baths can help relax your body.
- Prioritise sleep – deep rest helps your body and mind recover.
When to Seek Support
If stress-related muscle tension or postural strain doesn’t ease with self-care, reach out to us. Our chiropractors can evaluate how your posture and joint movement might be contributing to discomfort and offer guidance to help your body manage physical stress.
