SYMPTOMS & HOW TO REDUCE STRESS

Stress

Stress is the disruption of homeostasis and Constant prolonged stress is bad news, and its effects on your body are very real. The symptoms of stress come in four varieties: cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral. Here is a short list of the various symptoms:

Mental symptoms

• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor judgment
• Seeing only the negative
• Anxious or racing thoughts
• Constant worrying

Emotional symptoms

• Moodiness
• Irritability or short temper
• Agitation, inability to relax
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Sense of loneliness and isolation
• Depression or general unhappiness

Physical symptoms

• Fat gain
• Aches and pains
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea, dizziness
• Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
• Loss of sex drive
• Frequent colds

Behavioral symptoms

• Eating more, or less
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Isolating yourself from others
• Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
• Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
• Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

The first step to stop stress is learning to identify it. 

Here are some ways to reduce your exposure to stress and improve your stress handling abilities. Use these tips to deal with stress.

  Ask yourself what you can do about the sources of your stress. Think through the pros and cons. Take action where you can.

Keep a positive, realistic attitude. Accept that although you can't control certain things, you're in charge of how you respond.

Stand up for yourself in a polite way. Share your feelings, opinions, or beliefs, instead of becoming angry, defensive, or passive.

Learn and practice relaxation techniques. Try breathing exercises, meditation, and prayer.

 Exercise regularly. You'll feel better and be more prepared to handle problems.

Eat healthy. Avoid too much sugar. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. When you're stressed, you'll probably want less-nutritious comfort foods, but if you overdo them, they'll add to your problems.

 Try to manage your time wisely.

 Say no, where you can, to things that would add more stress to your life.

Make time for hobbies and interests.

Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.

Don't rely on alcohol, drugs, or food to help against stress. Ease up on caffeine, too.

Spend time with people you love.

Talk with a counselor or take a stress management class for more help.