In our fast-paced society, stress is practically inevitable. It's normal, and it can be beneficial by forcing you to be organized and motivated, according to the National Institutes of Health. But when stress begins to mount, it can take a toll and affect many aspects of your life. Stress management is critical for people under a lot stress. Start by understanding how stress can affect your body and your life.
Anxiety
When stress begins to mount, it can cause anxiety, according to the National Institutes of Health. Many people with anxiety notice physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, abdominal pain, irregular heart rate, dry mouth and difficulty swallowing.
Behavior Changes
Stress can result in changes in a person's behavior or mood. Some people become restless, irritable, forgetful or anxious, according to MayoClinic.com. Anger can become more pronounced, and people can also become sad and depressed. More frequent mood swings may also become noticeable.
Pain
Stress can also physically take its toll on the body. Headaches are common, and some people also experience back pain and chest pain, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You may develop soreness in the muscles and joints and abdominal cramps or pain.
Diet Changes
Stress can also cause people to change their everyday eating patterns. Some people may eat more than usual, while others may skip meals or start eating significantly less, according to MayoClinic.com. People also may being to turn to their vices more, smoking or drinking more than normal, for example.
Heart Palpitations
People under a lot of stress may also develop heart palpitations or a rapid heart rate, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It can feel as though the heart is racing, and you may feel constriction or tightness in the chest area. Blood pressure can also become elevated.
Lack of Focus
Excess stress can make it difficult to focus, even on simple, easy-to-complete tasks. People may find they have difficulty concentrating or are burnt out by their job or life, according to MayoClinic.com. Motivation can be lacking and people can begin to withdraw from their lives.
Frequent Illnesses
People experiencing a lot of stress can also experience frequent illnesses and infections, such as colds, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Sleep Problems
Difficulty sleeping can be caused by stress. Some people are also fatigued by stress or feel as though they are lacking energy, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
