What is Stress?

Stress is the body’s reaction when we are feeling threatened, under pressure, or experiencing changes. The body reacts to these circumstances with physical, mental, and emotional responses. 

Every one of us can get stressful from time to time. Stress is a part of our daily life, and a healthy level of stress can even be helpful or motivational. It drives us to be active, to fulfil demands in life, and to find solutions to difficulties we are experiencing. 

However, persistent stress can strongly affect our health. When we experience a continual stress, the body’s autonomic stress response known as the fight or flight response is therefore continually activated. This persistent activation leads to emotional and physical exhaustion, which may manifest as the following signs and symptoms.

Am I stressful?

These are some signs and symptoms of stress that you can notice.

• Dizziness and headaches
• Muscles tension, especially around the neck and shoulders
• Trouble sleeping
• Teeth grinding
• Racing heart
• Fatigue
• Trembling or shaking
• Cold and sweaty palms
• Lost of appetite or over-eating
• Weight gain or loss
• Digestive problems or upset stomach
• Lower libido

• Regular exercise
• Getting enough rest and sleep
• Practise relaxation techniques
• Eating healthy
• Managing your time more effectively
• Prioritising tasks and setting your limits
• Doing things you enjoy
• Reducing alcohol and caffeine 
• Connecting with your loved ones 

Chronic stress can lead to many health problems, physically and mentally such as panic attack, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It is important to take care of your stress early and learn to manage stress in your daily life. If you need support to tackle your stress, I am always here to help. Get in touch.