When we talk about anxiety, most people picture racing thoughts, constant worrying, or feeling overwhelmed. But what many don’t realize is that anxiety isn’t just a mental battle—it’s a full-body experience.
In his book Moment of Anxiety, Dr. Miguel A. Fernandez deeply explores how anxiety impacts every part of us, from our racing hearts to our upset stomachs. Let’s explore some of these hidden physical symptoms and why understanding them matters.
Your Body on Anxiety: More Than Just Nerves
Anxiety triggers what’s often called the “fight-or-flight” response. This is your body’s ancient survival system kicking in, preparing you to either face danger or run from it. But when anxiety becomes chronic, this system gets stuck in overdrive. You might notice your heart pounding, your palms sweating, or your muscles tensing up—even when there’s no real threat. These are classic signs your body is reacting to stress.
But here’s the twist: anxiety doesn’t stop there. It can show up in ways you’d never connect to feeling worried or stressed. For example, have you ever felt dizzy for no reason? Or had sudden stomach cramps during a stressful day? These are your body’s sneaky ways of saying, “Hey, I’m overwhelmed!”
The Gut-Brain Connection: Anxiety’s Favorite Hideout
One of the most surprising ways anxiety affects the body is through your gut. Ever heard of “butterflies in your stomach”? That’s your vagus nerve—a superhighway connecting your brain and digestive system—sending signals that something’s off. When anxiety strikes, this nerve can go haywire, leading to nausea, diarrhea, or even constipation.
Dr. Fernandez explains in Moment of Anxiety that this gut-brain link is why so many people with anxiety struggle with digestive issues. Your gut is packed with neurons (yes, like the ones in your brain!), and when stress hormones like cortisol flood your system, your digestion slows down or speeds up unpredictably. This isn’t “just in your head”—it’s your body’s very real reaction to stress.
When Anxiety Feels Like a Heart Attack
Chest pain, shortness of breath, and a racing heartbeat are classic anxiety symptoms—but they’re also signs of a heart attack. No wonder so many people rush to the emergency room only to learn they’re having a panic attack! Anxiety can mimic serious physical conditions, making it hard to tell what’s truly going on.
Why does this happen? When your brain senses danger (real or imagined), it releases adrenaline. This hormone revs up your heart rate and tightens your muscles, preparing you to act fast. But if there’s no actual threat, that adrenaline has nowhere to go. The result? Your heart races, your chest feels tight, and you might even hyperventilate. It’s scary, but understanding this link can help you recognize anxiety’s tricks.
The Mystery of Muscle Tension and Fatigue
Do you often wake up with a sore jaw or a stiff neck? Chronic muscle tension is another hidden symptom of anxiety. When you’re stressed, your body stays tense for hours—or even days—after the stressful event. Over time, this can lead to headaches, back pain, and exhaustion.
Dr. Fernandez points out that anxiety doesn’t just drain you mentally. It physically wears you down. Your muscles are working overtime, your brain is hyper-alert, and your energy reserves get depleted. This explains why so many people with anxiety feel tired all the time, even if they’re not doing much.
Brain Chemistry: The Hidden Puppeteer
Anxiety isn’t just about thoughts—it’s about chemistry. Your brain relies on hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol to regulate mood and stress. When these chemicals fall out of balance, anxiety can spiral.
For example, low serotonin levels are linked to both anxiety and depression. Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” stays elevated in chronic anxiety, keeping your body in a constant state of alert. This imbalance can weaken your immune system, disrupt sleep, and even affect your appetite. The good news? Simple lifestyle changes—like exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness—can help rebalance these chemicals naturally.
Real Stories, Real Bodies
Take Sarah, a 28-year-old teacher who thought her daily stomachaches were due to food allergies. After months of tests, her doctor realized her symptoms spiked during stressful weeks at work. Once Sarah learned to manage her anxiety, her gut issues improved dramatically.
Or Mark, a college athlete who started having dizzy spells before big games. He blamed dehydration, but it turned out his body was reacting to performance pressure. By practicing grounding techniques (like the 5-4-3-2-1 method described in Moment of Anxiety), he regained control over his physical symptoms.
How to Support Your Body Through Anxiety
Listen to your body
If you’re experiencing unexplained physical symptoms, don’t ignore them. Track when they happen—you might spot an anxiety pattern.
Breathe deeply
Slow, deep breaths calm the vagus nerve and signal your brain to relax.
Move your body
Exercise burns off excess adrenaline and boosts mood-balancing hormones.
Talk to a professional
Therapists or doctors can help rule out other causes and offer tailored strategies.
Final Words
Anxiety is a whole-body experience, and acknowledging its physical symptoms is the first step toward healing. As Dr. Miguel A. Fernandez emphasizes in Moment of Anxiety, understanding how anxiety impacts your body empowers you to take back control. Whether it’s through mindfulness, lifestyle changes, or professional support, relief is possible—for both your mind and your body.
Ready to explore more? If you or your loved ones are fighting with anxiety that is hijacking your body and mind, grab a copy of Moment of Anxiety by Dr. Miguel A. Fernandez. Packed with science-backed strategies and compassionate advice, this book is your guide to reclaiming calm—one symptom at a time.
Dr. Fernandez, a chiropractic sports physician and mental health advocate, blends clinical expertise with real-world wisdom to help you thrive. Your body—and brain—will thank you!