Many people suffer from symptoms of stress. Anxiety manifests itself in a variety of ways, so it’s often difficult to diagnose.
Headaches
Tension headaches are one of the most common signs of stress. When your body is under stress, muscles in the upper back and neck tense up, which can cause the scalp muscles to contract, leading to headaches.
Anxiety can also trigger serious migraines. Improving your posture (especially at your desk) is one of the most significant changes you can make to relieve headaches brought on by stress.
Mental Issues
Stress can cause brain fog, anger issues or even depression. When things are stressful, we feel like we can’t manage. That can result in difficulty in making decisions, constant worrying and burnout. Yoga, listening to calm music or even a walk to help refocus.
Chest Pain and High Blood Pressure
Chest pain and high blood pressure are also can be symptoms of stress. Stress hormones increase the pumping action of the heart and cause certain arteries to constrict, influencing blood flow and increasing overall pressure in the arteries. Stress increases the rate at which arterial cholesterol builds up. Chest pain and blood pressure spikes should be closely monitored.
Hair Loss
Stress causes your hair to fall out. Hormonal changes force hair follicles into a resting phase, preventing new growth. Stress can make worse in very extreme cases like alopecia, a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks follicles and causes hair to fall out. For those with a genetic propensity for hair loss, stress can trigger the process.
Sweaty Hands and Feet
When we’re under pressure, blood flow diverts to the extremities. This is sometimes accompanied by sweat, produced by the body as a cooling mechanism. If your sweating extreme, contact a doctor to see if you have a condition known as hyperhidrosis, which can be treated with Botox injections.
Sleeplessness
Feeling anxious result in an overactive mind, which makes difficult to get a good night rest. When you’re stressed, the unconscious mind is working overtime.
Sleep disturbances can manifest in different ways. Some people are tired all the time, some can’t get to sleep, and some wake up early and can’t fall back asleep. For short-term sleep disturbances, try a sleep aid. If the sleeplessness persists, see your doctor, who may refer you to a sleep specialist.
Pets have a real psychological impact on reducing stress. Read our article about the Benefits of Pets for your Mental Health.
