Unexpected Physical Symptoms Caused by Chronic Stress

17. Increased Sensitivity to Sound or Light

Finding everyday noises gratingly loud or bright lights unusually harsh? Heightened sensory sensitivity can be a subtle yet significant physical symptom of chronic stress. When your nervous system is in a prolonged state of high alert (the "fight-or-flight" response), your senses can become overstimulated and more easily overwhelmed. This can manifest as photophobia (light sensitivity) or hyperacusis (sound sensitivity), making ordinary environments feel intense and draining. Addressing the root stress can help recalibrate your sensory processing and restore a sense of calm in your surroundings.

18. Frequent Sighing or a Sensation of "Air Hunger"

Do you find yourself sighing deeply and frequently, or feeling like you just can’t get a satisfying breath, even when you’re not exerting yourself? This "air hunger" or excessive sighing can be a physical manifestation of your body trying to regulate itself under stress. It’s often linked to subtle changes in breathing patterns (like shallow breathing or holding your breath unconsciously) induced by anxiety. These actions are your body’s attempt to reset its oxygen and carbon dioxide balance. Noticing this pattern can be a cue to practice calming breathing exercises and address underlying stressors.