STRESS?

Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. Your brain comes hard-wired with an alarm system for your protection. When your brain perceives a threat, your body releases a burst of hormones to fuel your fight-or-flight response. When the threat is gone, your body returns to normal. Unfortunately, the nonstop stress of modern life means that your alarm system rarely shuts off.

Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it. You may think illness is to blame for that nagging headache, your frequent forgetfulness or your decreased productivity at work. But sometimes stress is to blame. Indeed, stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. When you recognize common stress symptoms, you can take steps to manage them.

Of course, other potentially serious health problems also can cause some of these symptoms. If you're not sure if stress is the cause or if you've taken steps to control your stress but symptoms continue, see your doctor. Also, if you have chest pain, especially if it occurs during physical activity or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea or pain radiating into your shoulder and arm, get emergency help immediately. These signs and symptoms may indicate a heart attack and not simply stress symptoms.
Effects of stress ...

... On your body
* Headache
* Back pain
* Chest pain
* Heart disease
* Heart palpitations
* High blood pressure
* Decreased immunity
* Stomach upset
* Sleep problems

... On your thoughts and feelings
* Anxiety
* Restlessness
* Worrying
* Irritability
* Depression
* Sadness
* Anger
* Feeling insecure
* Lack of focus
* Burnout
* Forgetfulness

... On your behavior
* Overeating
* Undereating
* Angry outbursts
* Drug or alcohol abuse
* Increased smoking
* Social withdrawal
* Crying spells
* Relationship conflicts

If you do have stress symptoms, taking steps to manage your stress can have numerous health benefits. Stress management can include:

* Physical activity
* Relaxation techniques
* Meditation
* Yoga
* Tai chi