Your Body’s Way of Telling You You’re Anxious
At The Online GP, we know anxiety isn’t just something that lives in your mind. It’s a full-body experience. Anxiety can be subtle, sneaky, and show up in ways you might not immediately connect to your mental health. Your body is constantly sending you signals—but are you listening?
Here’s how your body might be trying to get your attention and what you can do to support it.
1. Your Heart Races Out of Nowhere
A pounding heart doesn’t always mean love at first sight. Sudden palpitations or an increased heart rate can be your body’s fight-or-flight response kicking in—even if there’s no immediate danger. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that elevated heart rates are a common symptom of anxiety disorders.
What to do: Take a moment to breathe deeply. The 4-7-8 breathing technique—inhaling for four seconds, holding for seven, and exhaling for eight—can help slow your heart rate and calm your nervous system.
2. Tension in Your Shoulders or Neck
Feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world? Chronic tension in your shoulders, neck, or even jaw could be your body’s way of saying, “I’m stressed!” A study in the Journal of Pain Research highlights how muscle tension is often linked to anxiety.
What to do: Gentle yoga stretches, a warm compress, or even booking a massage can make a huge difference. At The Online GP, we also offer personalised stress management plans that tackle the root cause of tension.
3. Digestive Woes
Ever felt like your stomach has a mind of its own? Bloating, nausea, or an unsettled gut can all be signs of anxiety. The gut-brain connection is real, with studies in Gastroenterology showing that stress and anxiety can disrupt your digestive system.
What to do: Sip on chamomile tea, avoid trigger foods, and focus on gut-friendly nutrition. If the issue persists, a hormone or stress-level test at The Online GP could reveal underlying imbalances.
4. You Can’t Catch Your Breath
Struggling to breathe deeply can feel terrifying. Shortness of breath is a common physical response to anxiety, as your body prepares to “flee” a perceived threat.
What to do: Ground yourself with a simple exercise: focus on what you can see, hear, feel, smell, and taste around you. This can help your mind and body reconnect to the present moment.
5. Your Skin Acts Up
Stress doesn’t just live inside—it can show up on your skin. From unexplained breakouts to flare-ups of eczema or psoriasis, your skin might be shouting, “Slow down!” A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that anxiety often exacerbates skin conditions.
What to do: Establish a calming skincare routine and consider practices like mindfulness or meditation to lower your stress levels. Our bespoke skincare solutions at The Online GP can also help tackle stress-related skin concerns.
6. Trouble Sleeping
Can’t switch off? Insomnia or restless nights are classic signs of anxiety. When your mind races, your body struggles to find the rest it needs.
What to do: Establish a sleep routine that includes winding down an hour before bed. Turn off screens, dim the lights, and try a relaxing activity like journaling. If poor sleep persists, we offer hormone panels that can uncover any stress-related imbalances disrupting your rest.
When to Seek Help
If these symptoms feel all too familiar and are starting to affect your day-to-day life, it’s time to take action. At The Online GP, we offer comprehensive hormone and stress testing to identify the underlying causes of your symptoms. Our expert physicians create personalised wellness plans to help you regain control and feel your best.
Remember, your body’s signals aren’t an inconvenience—they’re a cry for help. Listen to them, and take the first step toward a calmer, healthier you. Ready to prioritise your well-being? Book a consultation with us today and let’s work together to bring balance back into your life.
