Your body may react to stress in different ways. Being aware of signs of stress can help with the early identification of intervention strategies. Remember to get help when you need it. Below are signs are stress:
- Grinding your teeth — particularly when sleeping.
- Migraine or tension-induced headaches.
- Insomnia, fitful sleeping, nightmares.
- Anxiety.
- Shoulder, neck, or back pain.
- Sexual dysfunction.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Irregular pulse rate (racing pulse).
- Skin eruptions, skin dryness.
- Spontaneous sweating.
- Poor concentration.
- Frequent flu or colds.
- Lack of physical coordination.
- Impulsive, irrational behavior.
- Speech problems.
Stress relief
Practice these techniques to keep your stress at a manageable level:
- Journal — Writing about your emotions and experiences is a great way to work through challenges in day-to-day life.
- Breathing techniques — Deep breathing is the antidote to the shallow breathing and increased heart rate that stress can trigger.
- Hobbies — Find activities that interest you and help you focus on something fun and rewarding to take your mind off of things that create stress.
- Meditate — Create a place and time to relax your mind and find a peaceful place.
- Express yourself — Talk to family and friends and share your thoughts and feelings rather than holding in your stress.
- Take care of yourself — Eat healthy food, participate in daily physical activity and get enough sleep.
- Priorities — Focus on those few things that are most important. Do one thing at a time and learn to say no.
- Think positive — Look at the world optimistically, think positive thoughts and assume the best in others.
- Garden — It’s a great way to get physically active, and to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables!
- Exercise — Daily physical activity is one of the most effective ways to prevent and relieve stress.
Reviewed in 2023