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What Are The Symptoms of Stress?

More info from the Feeling Absolutely Fabulous Program™

Continuing from last month’s newsletter let’s take a look at the symptoms we may feel when we are under stress:

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms can be caused by other illnesses, so it is important to have a medical doctor treat conditions such as ulcers, compressed disks, or other physical disorders. Remember, however, that the body, mind and emotions are not separate entities. The physical problems outlined below may result from or be exacerbated by stress:

• sleep disturbances
• back, shoulder or neck pain
• tension or migraine headaches

• upset or acid stomach, cramps, heartburn, gas, irritable bowel syndrome
• constipation, diarrhea
• weight gain or loss, eating disorders
• hair loss

• muscle tension

• fatigue

• high blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat, palpitations

• asthma or shortness of breath

• chest pain

• sweaty palms or hands

• cold hands or feet

• skin problems (hives, eczema, psoriasis, tics, itching)

• periodontal disease, jaw pain

• reproductive problems

• immune system suppression: more colds, flu, infections

• growth inhibition

Emotional Symptoms

Like physical signs, emotional symptoms such as anxiety or depression can mask conditions other than stress. It is important to find out whether they are stress-related or not. In either case, the following emotional symptoms are uncomfortable and can affect your performance at work or play, your physical health, or your relationships with others:

• nervousness, anxiety
• depression, moodiness

• "butterflies"

• irritability, frustration
• memory problems
• lack of concentration
• trouble thinking clearly
• feeling out of control
• substance abuse
• phobias
• over reactions

Relational Symptoms

The antisocial behavior displayed in stressful situations can cause the rapid deterioration of relationships with family, friends, co-workers, or even strangers. A person under stress may manifest signs such as:

• increased arguments
• isolation from social activities
• conflict with co-workers or employers
• frequent job changes
• road rage
• domestic or workplace violence
• over reactions

Severe stress reactions that persist for long periods of time and recur without warning after a traumatic event or even after an intense experience such as an accident, hospitalization, or loss, may become a post-traumatic stress disorder requiring professional assistance to overcome.

Remember that arousal and stress reactions are essential for human survival. They enable people to pursue important goals and to respond appropriately to danger. In a healthy individual, the stress response (fight, fright, or flight) is provoked by a genuine threat or challenge and is used as a spur for appropriate action.

Severe stress reactions that persist for long periods of time and recur without warning after a traumatic event or even after an intense experience such as an accident, hospitalization, or loss, may become a post-traumatic stress disorder requiring professional assistance to overcome.

Remember that arousal and stress reactions are essential for human survival. They enable people to pursue important goals and to respond appropriately to danger. In a healthy individual, the stress response (fight, fright, or flight) is provoked by a genuine threat or challenge and is used as a spur for appropriate I suggest you go over the above lists and see if any of them apply to you. Now, normally we have some things to work on so don’t worry if you have a few items ticked off, But if the list is seeming excessive then you need to make some lifestyle changes to improve your health and well-being, including the following:action.

• breath deeply - taking the time out several times a day to check in with your breathing and taking ten long, slow deep breaths is a quick and effective way to bring your body, mind and emotions back into balance

• eat regular meals and snacks - your blood sugar balance has a lot to do with how you feel. If your blood sugar is out of whack you will feel more emotional as well as physically under the weather

• drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily and cut down your caffeine intake - we are made up of water and need to replenish our water supplies. Often we are so busy we don’t remember that we need to stop and drink, so get into the habit of having a glass of water nearby and sipping often. And, if you are drinking water you are less likely to drink caffeinated drinks which add to your irritability level

• exercise—move it or lose it! We feel better and look better when we are using our bodies. Join a class and get the added benefits of making new friends!

And if these simple changes don’t have a positive affect on you, then take the time to make an appointment with me to personalize a Program that will have you Feeling Absolutely Fabulous™ in a very little time.

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I’ll share more about stress and anxiety in a little while. In the meantime enjoy the Fall weather