Even if you find ways to prevent yourself from social media overload and limit your phone time, there are other environmental stressors that are nearly impossible to avoid.
From inhaling pollution, absorbing environmental toxins and consuming unhealthy foods, (not to mention the occasional adult beverage), your body is being affected and it has a direct impact on your health.
AND YES, mental stress can also create free radicals.[3]
At a molecular level, free radicals (toxic byproducts of oxygen metabolism) can cause significant damage to living cells and tissues.
All of these various physical, mental and environmental stressors cause oxidative stress, which is now thought to have a significant influence on achy joints and other health issues.
Additionally, this damage caused by free radicals may be the common factor in many underlying cause of serious health issues.*