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Symptoms Of Stress Are Worth Looking Out For
from:Stress is a mind-body reaction that occurs in response to physical threats, high-tension situations, worry, danger and even perceived problems. It is considered a very normal, and even sometimes a healthy, reaction to stimulus. Over time, however, stress can really take its toll on a body. Since stress can generally be managed and controlled, it is often considered very important to recognize the symptoms of stress. Doing this can help a person learn when they need to take a step back, refocus and approach a problem differently to lessen the effects of stress.
Symptoms Of Stress
The symptoms of acute and chronic stress are generally the same. If they are present frequently, it might be time to find a way to identify stressors and learn how to manage them. The most common symptoms of stress show up physically, emotionally and even in regard to behaviors.
Physical Symptoms of Stress
The symptoms of stress can manifest physically, the most common include:
• Headaches
• Heart-related problems, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure
• Muscle pains and back aches
• Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
• Stomach complaints
• Sleep disruptions
• Sexual dysfunction
• Weight loss or gain issues
Emotional Signs of Stress
Living with stress can take its toll on a person's attitude, as well. Some of the more common signs here include:
• Depression and sadness
• Angst
• Worry
• Mood swings and insecurity
• Forgetfulness, burnout and even confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Negative thinking
Behavior Signs of Stress
Considering the impacts stress can have both physically and emotionally, it makes sense that some behavior changes might result when people are in its throes. Some of the most common signs include:
• Eating problems, either over or under eating
• Angry reactions to minor situations
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Lack of productivity
• Withdrawal from friends and social activities
Controlling The Symptoms Of Stress
If stress and its symptoms are not controlled, over time they can lead to serious medical conditions. Heart disease, strokes and even cancer have been linked to stress. Keeping the symptoms under control by tackling stress is often the best way to avoid complications.
Methods for controlling stress vary from hypnosis and meditation to actually making life changes where they are called for. What exactly needs to be done will depend a lot on personal circumstances. Overall, one of the best ways for people to handle some of the signs of stress involves nothing more than learning to relax and refocus thoughts and feelings. Understanding how to separate out minor issues from actual major ones that are truly important can also help.
The symptoms of stress can show up in all aspects of life. When they are identified, people can help themselves by coming up with better, more effective ways of coping and dealing with the issues that cause stress in the first place.
Stress Specific links
Stress News
Basel Committee eyes stress testing at banks (Investment Executive)
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued a consultation paper that sets out principles for beefed up stress testing practices at banks. The paper presents sound principles for the governance, design and implementation of stress testing programs at banks.
Read more...No need to stress about it (The Mass Media)
When walking the campus grounds at UMass Boston, a lot of stress can be seen in the faces of the students studying or working on papers. And why not, college is certainly stressful and the way we as students often handle it usually only makes things worse.
Read more...Stress hormone 'a marker for ME' (BBC News)
Low levels of the stress hormone cortisol in children linked to higher risk of chronic fatigue syndrome as adults.
Read more...