STRESS AND ANXIETY: Understanding the symptoms, causes and impacts on overall well-being

Stress: a normal physiological response

Stress , cortisol and adrenaline in order to prepare the body to react.

When this response becomes too frequent, the body's ability to recover decreases. Stress can then affect digestion , sleep, energy levels, and emotional balance.

Anxiety: a prolonged state of alert

Anxiety differs from stress in its anticipatory and diffuse nature. It can occur without an immediate trigger and maintain the body in a prolonged state of hypervigilance .

From a functional perspective, anxiety is associated with hyperactivation of the nervous system, which can result in physical, digestive, and emotional manifestations.

Chronic stress is characterized by a prolonged activation of stress response mechanisms, without sufficient recovery time. Unlike acute stress, its effects develop gradually and can impact sleep, digestion , and mental energy.

Prolonged exposure to stress is often associated with persistent fatigue, continuous nervous tension, and a decreased ability to adapt.

The related articles help to understand the causes of chronic stress and the appropriate levers for action.

Generalized anxiety manifests as excessive and persistent worry, often unrelated to actual situations. It reflects heightened activity of the nervous system, keeping the body in a constant state of alert.

This form of anxiety can have repercussions on sleep, breathing, digestion and concentration.

The related content addresses the mechanisms of anxiety and recognized approaches to better manage it.

Stress and anxiety are among the most frequent causes of sleep disorders. Difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night, or unrefreshing sleep can be linked to excessive mental activity at the end of the day.

Disrupted sleep can in turn increase stress and affect digestion , creating a cycle that is difficult to break.

The accompanying guides explain how to sustainably improve sleep quality.

Mental fatigue occurs when cognitive demands exceed recovery capacity. It is often accompanied by decreased concentration, irritability, and a feeling of mental overload.

Chronic stress and overwork can also affect overall energy and digestion .

The articles provided offer a better understanding of the mechanisms of mental fatigue.

Palpitations, chest tightness, or shortness of breath are common physical manifestations of stress and anxiety. They reflect increased activation of the autonomic nervous system.

These symptoms, while often alarming, are generally functional. Understanding them helps reduce anxiety and address the triggering factors.

The related content provides clear insight into the physical manifestations of stress.

The link between stress , anxiety , and digestion is now well-documented. Stress can alter intestinal motility, digestive secretion, and the balance of the gut microbiota.

Bloating, abdominal discomfort or irregular bowel movements can thus be influenced by emotional state.

The related articles explain how to support digestion during periods of stress.