The Connection Between Chronic Stress and Physical Symptoms

Many people experience physical symptoms that don’t seem to come from any easily identifiable cause. Chronic fatigue, IBS, acid reflux, headaches, bladder problems, a persistently upset stomach among the list. Often, these symptoms appear without clear reasons, yet they stubbornly persist.

One common underlying factor can be a dysregulated nervous system.

What is a Dysregulated Nervous System?

Our bodies have an incredible built-in system for managing stress, known as the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is designed to regulate our responses to stress through two main states:

1. The Fight or Flight Response (Sympathetic State) – When we sense danger or threat, our sympathetic nervous system kicks in, prompting a surge of adrenaline and cortisol to prepare us for action.
2. The Rest and Digest Response (Parasympathetic State) – Once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic system helps us calm down, recover, and focus on functions like digestion and restoration.

A balanced system moves easily between these two states. However, chronic stress can leave us ‘stuck’ in an activated, fight-or-flight state. When this happens, our bodies don’t get the recovery time they need, and over time, we may start to experience physical symptoms as a result.

How Stress Can Cause Physical Symptoms

When our nervous system remains in an activated state for too long, it can begin to affect the body in various ways. Some common symptoms of a dysregulated nervous system include:

• IBS and Digestive Issues: Stress hormones like cortisol suppress digestion, which is why so many people with chronic stress experience bloating, cramping, and even IBS. In a dysregulated state, your body doesn’t prioritise digestion, which can lead to long-term gut issues.
• Chronic Fatigue: Constant activation of the sympathetic nervous system demands a lot of energy, which can leave us feeling perpetually tired. This isn’t just “sleepy tired,” but a deeper, chronic fatigue that leaves us drained.
• Bladder Problems: When the body is in fight-or-flight mode, it triggers muscles to tense up, including those around the bladder. Over time, this can lead to frequency or urgency issues.
• Stomach Acid and Acid Reflux: Stress often causes the body to produce excess stomach acid, which can lead to acid reflux or GERD. Prolonged exposure to high-stress hormones can even start to impact the stomach lining.

These symptoms often become a vicious cycle. Physical discomfort increases stress, which keeps the nervous system dysregulated, and the cycle continues.

Recognising and Supporting Nervous System Regulation

If any of these symptoms or patterns are you, then it may be worth considering implementing some gentle practices to help bring your nervous system back to balance:

• Mindful Breathing and Meditation: Deep breathing and mindfulness practices activate the parasympathetic system, helping to calm the body and mind.
• Time in Nature: Studies show that time in nature significantly reduces stress levels. Nature helps the nervous system relax, encouraging the body to enter the “rest and digest” mode.
• Somatic Practices: Somatic practices such as body scanning, gentle movement, and mindful touch help to reconnect your mind with your body, releasing stored tension and regulating your system.
• Connection with Animals: Interacting with animals, especially in a mindful and compassionate way, can be deeply calming to the nervous system. Many people find comfort and ease in spending time with animals, as it often encourages an unhurried presence.

Here at Highlands Centre For Healing we tick all the above boxes. And not surprisingly so! We know they truly work, and past participants / guests are perfect examples of how time spent in nature, with horses, breathing, being mindful help us find that beautiful calm state.

If you’re feeling persistently stuck, consider exploring somatic or trauma-informed therapy. These approaches provide tools for gently and safely bringing the nervous system back to a regulated state. Our Somatic Equine Therapy offering does just this.

Moving Toward Healing

Living with a dysregulated nervous system can be exhausting, but it’s important to remember that these patterns can change. By creating time for intentional relaxation and calming practices, you can start to break the cycle. Recognizing the signs of a dysregulated nervous system and taking steps to support its health can ultimately lead to more vibrant physical health and peace of mind.

Taking small steps toward self-care and regulation can make a significant difference in your physical well-being. If you’d like to explore ways to support your body and mind through nature-based practices, retreats, and somatic therapies, we offer holistic experiences designed to nurture the whole self.

Seek professional support

Highlands Centre For Healing can offer you this support. Set in nature, which beautifully supports our nervous system, Soo will provide a nurturing environment in which you can explore and process your life experiences.

A trauma trained somatic therapy and energy healer, sessions with Soo are always tailored to the individual’s needs. She’s ready to support you when you are ready to start the journey.

Learn more about Soo

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