Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not realise it. You may think illness is to blame for that annoying headache, your frequent insomnia, or your decreased productivity at work. But stress may actually be the reason.
Common effects of stress
Indeed, stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behaviour. Being able to recognise common stress symptoms can give you a jump on managing them. Stress that’s left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure.
Common effects of stress on your body
- Headache
- Muscle tension or pain
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Change in sex drive
- Stomach upset
- Sleep problems
Common effects of stress on your mood
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Lack of motivation or focus
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Irritability or anger
- Sadness or depression
Common effects of stress on your behaviour
- Overeating or undereating
- Angry outbursts
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Tobacco use
- Social withdrawal
- Exercising less often
Manage your stress
If you have stress symptoms, taking steps to manage your stress can have numerous health benefits. Healthy and effective management strategies are:
- Having a good time with family and friends
- Regular physical activity
- Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga
- Setting aside time for hobbies, such as reading a book or listening to music
Aim to find active ways to manage your stress. Inactive ways you may use to manage stress—such as watching television, surfing the Internet, or playing video games—may seem relaxing, but they may increase your stress over the long term.
Work on it
Stress usually doesn’t just get better on its own. You may have to actively work on getting control of the stress in your life so that it doesn’t control you. When you first identify how you react to stressful situations, you then can put yourself in a better position to manage the stress, even if you can’t eliminate it.
NiceDay app
If your stress management efforts aren’t helpful enough, see your doctor. Are there things you would like to change in your life but you don’t know how? Download the NiceDay app! We offer 1 on 1 coaching. You do not have to do it alone: professionals are there for that extra support.
