Do You Know Your Signs of Stress?

Stress can manifest in various ways, but most people have a half-dozen symptoms that are unique for them, which they can learn to recognize.  Here are just a few ways stress can show up in your life:

Physical Symptoms

A typical stress reaction is the “fight or flight” response; your heart beats faster, your muscles tense, your breathing rate increases, and you may even start to sweat.  Chronic stress may show up differently.  You may get a headache, grind or clench your jaw, experience sore muscles, chest pains, abdominal symptoms, or a change in appetite.  Two of the most common symptoms of stress are fatigue and low-quality sleep.

Mental Symptoms

Do you have trouble concentrating or making decisions?  These are common signs of stress.  You might also find that your mind is racing or going blank.

Emotional Symptoms

It’s common to feel nervous, anxious, tense, restless, or agitated when you’re stressed.  You may also feel irritable, frustrated, impatient, or short-tempered.  On the other hand, you may also feel lethargic, depressed, or sad.

Behavioral Symptoms

Do you find yourself constantly fidgeting in your seat?  Are you a nail-biter or compulsive eater?  These behaviors are signs of stress.  Other behavioral symptoms include smoking, drinking, talking loudly, or swearing.

You typically experience the same symptoms each time you are stressed, and you can learn to spot them.

Want to learn more?  Register for my free Stress Busters workshop on February 16 @ 7:00 PM ET.  If you can’t make it, register anyway, and I’ll send you a link to the replay.