There is a reason they call stress a silent killer. Your body could already be feeling the effects of constant stress, even without you knowing it. People often blame the effects of chronic stress on an illness. They mistake stress symptoms like decreased energy, frequent headaches, and sleepless nights for signs of flu or some other minor illness. Unfortunately, if left unchecked, stress can have a deep impact on your body and health.
Common Symptoms
Stress symptoms are very easy to ignore in the early days. But soon it begins to have an impact on your mind, body, and even your attitude. One of the key ways to deal with stress is to identify the symptoms early on. If you do not address these symptoms as they arise, you can be at risk of several health problems. These may include obesity, blood pressure, diabetes, and even heart disease. Here are some common symptoms:
Physical Symptoms
Frequent headaches are perhaps the most common symptom we know. It also causes tension or pain in muscles or even in the chest. Constant fatigue is a byproduct of a stressful lifestyle. If you notice a change in your libido, stress can often be the culprit. Stress is also one of the leading causes of insomnia and troubles with bowel movement.
Mood Symptoms
If you find yourself feeling restless or anxious, you could be a victim of stress. It often saps individuals of the motivation to work or do chores. It can also make you feel overwhelmed by your situation, causing you to lash out in anger and irritation. Untreated stress can also turn into more serious health problems like depression or anxiety disorders and male Infertility.
Behavioral Symptoms
It is not just your mind and body that bear the brunt of a stressful life. Constant exposure to stress can also begin to modify your behavior. The most common manifestation changes in appetite, leading to people eating too little or too much. Stress also often causes people to have angry outbursts for nearly no specific reason. Too much stress can also drive people to abuse tobacco, alcohol, and even drugs. If you begin to experience less energy to socialize or exercise, stress could be holding you back.
Ways to Manage Stressful Lifestyles
There are several techniques to reduce the stress that might help you. Remember, stress is usually a gradual buildup, and it can take a while for you to admit that you’re chronically stressed. But once you know that you are, the road to managing it becomes much simpler. Below follow a few tips that can help you.
There is no substitute for regular physical activity. Exercise doesn’t just keep your body in shape, it keeps your mind healthy as well. With endorphins releasing in your body regularly, you will find your mood improves and many signs of poor health disappear.
Meditation and relaxation techniques can often help with stress management. They help your body regulate its blood circulation and oxygen levels. Often, both of these play a big part in bringing down stress levels.
Socializing is an important aspect of human life. We are not meant to be lone wolves. We crave human contact and interaction. Unfortunately, stress can often sap you of the energy to meet with people in a social setting. Luckily, the remedy lies in simply making time for family and friends. Meet people that you feel at ease with, to help offset the stress of the day.
Finally, getting enough sleep will help you combat stress better. Sleep problems don’t allow your body time to regenerate properly. They also add to stress levels and can cause constant fatigue and headaches. A good night’s sleep is very important for any healthy lifestyle. Especially if you want to live stress-free.
Getting Professional Help
If you’re not sure that you have stress, or if your symptoms persist despite taking steps to manage them, you might want to seek professional help. The first person to see is your physician. Healthcare providers often want to rule out any physiological causes that might be the problem. If that reveals no health problems, then seeking help from a counselor or therapist is always a great option. Therapy can help you identify stress triggers and stress-induced behavior. This can allow you to anticipate and manage them better.
In case you have severe chest pain, breathing trouble, or chronic pain you should seek help immediately. These can often be the signs of a heart attack and not stress. Don’t confuse the two and neglect your health.
