How Does Stress Affect Our Health?

When we're under stress, our body helps fight against what upsets us. This stress response is known as the "fight or flight response." Over time, stress will show wear and tear on the body and mind.

For example, you may have a headache, an upset stomach, high blood pressure, chest tightness, and problems sleeping. Emotional problems such as depression, panic attacks and general anxiety are also possible. Stress can worsen the symptoms of other illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease.

When you learn the early warning signs of chronic stress, you can learn how to manage them.

Warning Signs of Stress

• Headaches.
• General body aches.
• Problems sleeping.
• Tight jaw.
• Grinding teeth.
• Hands shaking.
• Increase or loss of appetite.
• Heartburn or stomach pain.
• Dizziness.
• Tight muscles in the neck, face or shoulders.
• Fast heart rate.
• Cold and sweaty palms.
• Feeling tired all the time.

Everyone reacts to stress in different ways. Take notice to what you are feeling physically and emotionally to help prevent long-term medical issues.