The Long-Term Effects of Stress — and How Complementary Therapies Can Help
Stress has become a common part of modern life. Work, family, and financial pressures can quickly build up, leaving many of us feeling tired, tense, and overwhelmed. A small amount of stress can sometimes be useful, but when it lasts for a long time, it can start to affect our health and happiness.
At Feel Good Balham, we believe in treating the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. Understanding how stress affects us, and learning how complementary therapies can ease those effects, is an important step towards feeling calmer and more balanced.
The Long-Term Effects of Stress on the Body and Mind
When you feel stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These help you cope with short-term challenges, but when stress continues over time, your body stays on high alert — and that can cause problems.
- Physical Health
- Heart health: Long-term stress can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.
- Immune system: Ongoing stress can weaken your defences, making it easier to pick up colds or infections.
- Digestion: Stress often affects the stomach and bowels, leading to issues like bloating or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Muscle tension: Many people feel stress in their shoulders, neck, or jaw, which can lead to headaches and pain.
- Emotional and Mental Health
- Anxiety and low mood: Constant stress can leave you feeling worried, restless, or sad.
- Sleep problems: Stress often makes it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep, which can leave you exhausted.
- Concentration: It can become difficult to focus or make decisions when your mind is always racing.
- Behavioural Impact
When stress builds up, it can lead to habits like overeating, drinking more caffeine or alcohol, or relying on sugar for comfort — all of which can make stress worse over time.
How Complementary Therapies Can Support Stress Relief
Complementary therapies focus on helping the body relax and heal naturally. They work alongside everyday self-care and, for many people, are an important part of managing stress.
Massage reduces muscle tension, lowers cortisol levels, and promotes deep relaxation. Regular treatments can improve circulation, ease headaches, and enhance sleep quality — all of which counteract the physical effects of stress.
By stimulating specific points on the feet, reflexology helps restore the flow of energy throughout the body. Many clients report a profound sense of relaxation, better sleep, and improved mood after sessions.
Reiki works with the body’s subtle energy system to release emotional blockages and encourage a state of calm. It’s especially beneficial for those feeling emotionally overwhelmed or mentally exhausted.
Essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, and chamomile are well-known for their soothing properties. When used in massage or inhalation, aromatherapy can reduce anxiety and help bring the nervous system back into balance.
- Mindfulness and Meditation
Learning mindfulness techniques or practising guided meditation helps to quiet the mind and develop resilience to daily stressors. Many holistic therapy centres offer mindfulness workshops or one-to-one sessions to support this journey.
Creating a Long-Term Stress Management Plan
True stress relief comes from addressing both the symptoms and the causes. Alongside complementary therapies, small lifestyle adjustments — such as gentle exercise, balanced nutrition, and setting healthy boundaries — can make a significant difference over time.
At Feel Good Balham we work with each client as an individual, offering personalised treatment plans that honour the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic tension, emotional burnout, or simply a moment of peace, our holistic therapies can help you find balance and restore wellbeing naturally.