The Physical Effects of Infidelity

Infidelity has measurable real-life consequences for marriages, relationships, and families, but it also affects people’s brain chemistry and physical health. A vital aspect of navigating infidelity is self-care. That can look like taking care of your emotional health as well as your physical health. Let’s consider some of the physical effects of infidelity, along with things you can do to look after yourself.

The Physical Effects of Infidelity

Exhaustion

It is physically tiring to go through emotional trauma. We are complex beings, and everything is connected. The arguments you may have had, the fights with your partner, and even the thoughts and moments you replay in your head all have physical effects on your body.

It’s not always easy or even possible to slow down. Life doesn’t stop as much as you wish it would. However, you must try to slow down, breathe deeply, and be gentle with yourself. Remember that exhaustion has not only to do with sleep but with the physical sensation of your mind, body, and emotions working overtime.

Disturbed Sleep

One of the most obvious reasons that you experience exhaustion while processing betrayal is that your sleep patterns are affected. The body has an unhelpful habit of bringing all the busiest and most intense feelings and thoughts to the forefront of our minds late at night. You might even find yourself sleeping restlessly and having emotional dreams when you do manage to fall asleep.

There are a few things that might help you regain your sleep patterns. Try to eliminate screen time past 9 pm. The blue light from screens disrupts brain chemistry, and scrolling social media or going through old messages simply adds to the emotional turmoil before bed. Having a relaxing bath before bed, expressing your thoughts in a journal entry, and doing stretches and deep breathing exercises might help, too.

Comfort Eating or Binge Habits

Trauma is as much a physical sensation as it is an emotional one, and your appetite will be affected. Some people lose their appetite completely; others turn to food as a source of comfort. Certain foods release feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin, but the effects of these hormones are short-lived. Many people fall back on old habits as a form of stress management, and old addictions might resurface.

Once again, be gracious to yourself. You are facing something unprecedented, and you don’t need to add more stress to your body. That being said, you can’t afford to fall into addiction during this time. Studies show that having an accountability partner reduces the risk of developing an addiction by a significant amount. Having someone that you can call or spend time with when you are at your most vulnerable will also fill the void in a healthy way.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Once your trust has been betrayed, your nervous system will likely go on high alert. You might find your emotions being triggered by simple things like the sound of a phone call, a song that was once meaningful, or certain media that hits too close to home.

Betrayal trauma affects the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that processes emotions and memories, turning them into physical sensations. Remember that you now have an emotional wound that your body is reacting to. You are not being melodramatic.

Try to have as much grace for yourself as you can spare. You might never have had to experience such intense emotions before. You might be alarmed that you feel little. Numbness is also a part of processing trauma, so you might feel “shut down” or as if your entire body is on high alert.

Try to balance pamper sessions with physical exercise. For example, have one evening where you eat whatever comfort food makes you happy, followed by a brisk walk or jog the next morning.

Christian Counseling for Infidelity in Allen, Texas

Taking care of your physical health is something that only you can do, but looking after your emotional well-being is something that others can help you with. If you would like to incorporate Christian counseling as part of your healing journey, you can begin by reaching out to our office at Texas Christian Counseling in Allen, Texas. Once we have an idea of which counselor would best meet your needs, we can connect you with them and help you set up an appointment. Do not delay your pursuit of a path to wholeness.