Symptoms of Stress: When to Worry and What to Do
As we rush from jobs to soccer practice and all of the home chores in between, stress becomes a normal part of our daily life. Some stress is a good thing, like when it motivates you to make a deadline at work or react in an emergency situation. However, too much tension for too long can result in symptoms of stress that can begin to wreak havoc on your physical, mental and emotional state. It is important to get a handle on your stress before it begins to control you with physical and emotional repercussions that are much more difficult to treat. The first step is to understand the symptoms of stress so that you know when it is time to worry and what you can do to manage your tension and anxiety more effectively.
Physical Symptoms of Stress
Sometimes the first symptoms of stress that you will notice will be physical ones. Signs like muscle tension, headaches, back aches and digestive troubles can occur. You may have difficulty sleeping or a loss of sex drive. Your skin may see the symptoms of stress as well, with acne breakouts that are more severe than normal. In some cases, the symptoms of stress might include an increase in illness, like frequent colds or a worsening of allergies. Since the heart can take some of the strain of stress, you might also experience chest pains or a rapid heartbeat. Many people also see weight loss or gain, since stress can affect how much and how well you eat.
Emotional Symptoms of Stress
Emotional symptoms of stress are often even more debilitating than physical signs. Depression is a common issue with chronic stress, as the overwhelming feelings begin to take control of your life. Moodiness, edginess and a quick temper are also signs that you are tense and unable to relax effectively. Often, impatience is a sign of stress, as is restlessness or an inability to concentrate. You may feel isolated from others, and completely overwhelmed with the everyday tasks of your life. This can result in poor judgment and memory lapses that will add to the already stressful situation.
Weighing your Options
If you can identify symptoms of stress from these lists, you may be wondering what you can do to better manage your tension and say goodbye to some of these uncomfortable and frustrating health issues. There are many ways to relieve the symptoms of stress, from relaxation techniques to healthy lifestyle choices that will tame the tension and calm the anxiety. A healthy diet and daily exercise are excellent methods for dealing with stress. For those who cannot manage their stress effectively on their own, professional help is also available in the form of a registered therapist or counselor. The bottom line is that you don't have to live with the symptoms of stress over the long haul. Help is available.
