Conflict seems to be a constant state in our world today, headlines in the news bring stories of turmoil, violence, stress reactions and one needs to be aware how stress affects you.

Stress on our bodies has some benefits, as the stimuli of physical, emotional, and cognitive functions prompt our bodies to launch a series of responses that ultimately have us fight or take flight.

The common effects of stress on the body (CCOHS, 2025) include:

• headache
• muscle tension or pain
• chest pains
• increased heart rate and blood pressure
• weakened immune system
• fatigue or insomnia
• stomach and digestive issues
• high blood sugar
• increased cholesterol and fatty acids in blood for energy production systems

Sadly, our society has normalized feeling stressed; indeed, you’re considered successful if you are aware of the effects of stress on your body. In the Greater Toronto Area, one could manifest these effects by commuting by vehicle or public transit.

The effects of stress on mood and thinking processes can include forgetfulness, anxiety, mood swings, and a lack of clear thoughts and focus. Stress can be exacerbated by lack of sleep, self-medicating, anxiety, depression, anger and recklessness. These incidents can contribute to periods of distraction, withdrawal, socially isolated, neglect of responsibilities, display outbursts, incivility, errors of judgment, and lower performance in activities that require hand and eye coordination.

Stress unrelieved and affecting the body and mind can result in (CCOHS, 2025)

• anxiety
• insomnia
• muscle pain
• high blood pressure
• weakened immune system
• heart disease
• depression
• obesity

These are significant as they could affect your health status; an honest appraisal of one’s lifestyle is a path to a healthier you if strategies are implemented. Acknowledge the root causes of stress may not be mitigated right away, there’s resources to learn about mindfulness, resiliency, social supports, work/life balance, stress management training, and access counselling services.

Employers and organizations have a responsibility to promote a healthy work environment. The strategies to be implemented must address the needs of individuals, teams, and organizations. For instance, clarity on zero tolerance of horizontal violence and bullying. The tenets of education include policies and procedures, a supportive reporting process, and examining workload, staffing resources, and critical incidents effectively managed. This is a quick overview of stress. Remember to chill by reducing your exposure to daily news; the adage if it bleeds, it leads can be tempered by watching the dog channel. Namaste.

Categories: Uncategorized

Paula M

Retired Registered Nurse (Non-practicing) Storyteller, Healer, Scribe, Transformational Leader