Understanding Hub: Why It Happens & How It Affects Your Body

What is Anxiety? How does it effect us? What can we do about it?

Anxiety is one of those words we hear all the time, but what actually is it? Why does it make us feel the way we do, and is it always a bad thing? In this guide we'll answer those questions and explore why anxiety affects both the mind and body. Its your brain trying to keep you safe, thanks brain. 

We have previously discussed how to our anxiety ancestors things like, Stress, Anxiety, and Cortisol would have been fundamental in keeping them alive. . 

The caveman brain evolved to survive immediate, physical threats to our wellbeing like predators or rival tribes. Typically once the threat was delt with, your brain could go back to a regular state. 

The modern world does not often pose these immediate physical threats our brain has developed to deal with, instead these "threats" are constant and persistent. Bills, Unread emails, upset bosses.

Here's where things get a little awkward, the brain cannot tell the difference between a sabre-toothed cat and a stressful email, (silly brain) meaning the chemicals released and the way the brain treat it are the same, but these things where never supposed to be chronic or long lasting. 

Why do we feel anxious?

Well, in short, it's to put you on red alert, to let you know something potentially dangerous is close by. Anxiety prompts the body to release adrenaline, this sharpens senses and allows you to scan for danger. It keeps your muscles ready, increases heart rate and blood flow giving your muscles strength. 

For a few minutes, you're basically Super You! Hopefully you've got your underpants on the inside of your trousers. Superheroes don't always manage that. From a survival standpoint at least, but when you are sitting at your desk in the office a racing heart, hyper vigilance and tense muscles are a little bit less super you. In fact, in this context, they are quite unhelp. 

This is why I say that these tools our body uses are a little out of time. A predator attack would have lasted minutes, either the threat would be gone or you would be dead, one of them allows your brain to return to a natural state, the other probably makes you less concerned. 

But in our world today, unpaid bills, toxic work environments and collage application stress do not go in minutes, they last for weeks or longer. Anxiety is like a smoke detector. It's designed to be loud and impossible to ignore because that's what keeps us safe. The problem is that sometimes the alarm goes off because you've burnt the toast, not because the house is on fire.

Why Anxiety Feels Physical

Many people are surprised by how physical anxiety can feel, but as we have just discussed, it does have a real effect on your body. Stress hormones prepare the body for action by increasing heart rate, tightening muscles and changing breathing patterns. None of these sensations are random. They're all part of your body's attempt to prepare you to deal with what it believes is a threat.

This can lead to symptoms such as:

Muscle Tension

When the body remains in a heightened state of alertness, muscles can stay tense for long periods, leading to aches, stiffness and discomfort.

Chest Tightness

Shallow breathing and muscle tension around the chest can create sensations of pressure or tightness, which can sometimes feel worrying.

Digestive Symptoms

Stress and anxiety affect the digestive system, which may cause nausea, bloating, stomach pain or changes in appetite.

Fatigue

Living with ongoing stress can be physically exhausting. Poor sleep and prolonged muscle tension can also contribute to tiredness and low energy.

Anxiety, Stress and Cortisol

The three horsemen of the mental crisis. They are not the same thing, they are designed to work together to keep you safe, but today more so work together to leave you feeling physically and emotionally drained.

Stress: A response to something happening now.

Anxiety: Worry about something that might happen.

Cortisol: Both stress and anxiety can prompt a rise in cortisol levels.

Cortisol and adrenaline are two hormones involved in the stress response. These chemicals help the body react quickly to perceived danger, but prolonged activation can contribute to symptoms such as:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Muscle tension
• Restlessness
• Increased heart rate
• Feeling constantly on edge

Understanding how stress hormones work can help explain why anxiety affects both the mind and body.

Is It Normal to Feel Anxious?

Anxiety is a normal human emotion. Most people experience it before important events like exams, job interviews, public speaking or major life changes. Feeling anxious from time to time doesn't necessarily mean there's something wrong with you. However, if anxiety is persistent, overwhelming or begins to interfere with your everyday life, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional who can offer advice and support.

How to Relieve Anxiety Naturally

Although anxiety symptoms can feel overwhelming, there are simple techniques that many people find helpful.

Breathing Exercises

Slow, controlled breathing may help activate the body's relaxation response.

Related articles:

• Box Breathing Explained
• Breathing Exercises for Stress
• Diaphragmatic Breathing

Grounding Techniques

Grounding exercises can help bring attention back to the present moment.

Related articles:

• The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Method
• Sensory Grounding Techniques
• How to Calm Down Quickly

Healthy Habits

Daily routines can play an important role in managing stress and supporting emotional wellbeing.

Related articles:

• Sleep Hygiene Explained
• Evening Habits for Better Sleep
• Why Routines Reduce Stress

Some people also find comfort in weighted objects that provide gentle sensory input. Learn how weighted comfort plushies may help create moments of calm. Read More

Related Articles

Understanding Your Body

• Why Anxiety Feels Like Physical Pain
• Why Anxiety Causes Muscle Tension
• Why Anxiety Causes Chest Tightness
• Can Anxiety Cause Body Aches?
• What Is Cortisol?

Instant Relief

• Box Breathing Explained
• The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Method
• Breathing Exercises for Anxiety

Habits

• Why Anxiety Affects Sleep
• How to Fall Asleep Faster
• Creating a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Looking for Extra Comfort?

Comfort comes in many forms. Alongside healthy routines and relaxation techniques, some people find comfort in warmth, soft textures and weighted objects that provide gentle sensory input.

At McCuddles, our weighted comfort plushies are designed to bring together softness, warmth and calming pressure to create a comforting experience whenever you need a moment to slow down.

Explore Related Topics

• Stress
• Cortisol
• Sleep
• Nervous System
• Relaxation Techniques
• Deep Pressure Stimulation