The symptoms of stress are varied and can disrupt all areas of your life. If not treated, stress related illnesses can cause long-lasting and even permanent damage to your body. Additionally, latest research increasingly links stress and depression.
If you are worried about your stress level, there are some signs of stress that you can check yourself for. There are also things you can do to reduce stress’s effect on your life.
TENSION
Tension is one of the main problems that comes with stress because it is one of the first symptoms to show up, and can lead to many other problems as well. Tension often causes pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and even chest, as well as causing migraines and other types of headaches.
To battle tension and other physiological effects of stress, relaxation is your best option. If you can get massages, do so. This can mean going to a professional masseuse who specialized in stress reduction, or just getting your significant other to give you a massage. Aromatherapy is also used by many people to help with their tension.
You can also try soothing self hypnosis audios to naturally relieve the tension in your body and mind.
CHANGE IN EATING HABITS
If you are stressed, there is a good chance that your eating habits will be affected. Some people begin to eat more than they normally would. This could lead to weight gain, more stress, and more health problems. Others will eat much less, which can easily lead to malnourishment and further problems. You can see how the physiological effects of stress can quickly become difficult to handle.
To keep these problems from getting a hold of you, take a good look at your diet. If you have a tendency to eat too much, make sure that you are eating foods with a lot of fiber so that you won’t be inclined to eat as much. If you don’t eat enough, make sure that when you do eat, you are eating foods that have a lot of nutritional value. Also, set timers to remind yourself to snack occasionally.
DIFFICULTY SLEEPING
Another common physiological effect of stress is disrupted sleep. This can be caused by stress-induced anxiety dreams, tension, and other stress-related problems. If you are dealing with sleep deprivation it can quickly become dangerous to drive or do other daily tasks.
Try to make it easier for yourself to sleep. Make sure your room is dark and quiet, and make sure you are staying warm enough at night. Getting an aromatic insert for your pillow filled with a relaxing scent is a good idea as well. If you can get some good sleep, it will be easier for you to deal with your stress.
EXACERBATING EXISTING CONDITIONS
On top of being able to create problems all on its own, the physiological effects of stress can also take conditions that you may already have and make them worse. This can include headaches, chronic digestive system problems, heart problems, and things such as fibromyalgia.
MOODINESS
One of the most personally problematic effects of stress is moodiness. This can stem from just about any of the other stress-related problems. It can easily strain relationships at work and at home.
In order to keep this from affecting your life, take some time for yourself to unwind. Make sure you are taking time with those you love as well.
ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS
Stress can also sometimes lead to conditions like chronic anxiety and panic attacks. Chronic anxiety is when a person constantly feels intense anxiety and fear, for no discernible reason or any obvious, physical threat. If the intense anxiety or fear comes and goes in sudden, episodic bursts, this is more of a panic attack syndrome.
As you can see, there are many physiological effects of stress. By taking steps early you can keep them from disrupting your daily life. If stress symptoms persist, or worsen, always seek professional help.
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