In order to reduce the negative changes experienced from stress, we need to know about different kinds of stress and how to recognize the signs and symptoms.
Stress can look different for everyone. Stress does not just affect your body (body stress); it also affects emotions or how you feel (mind stress).
Body stress
When we are stressed, through either mind or body stress, our bodies will start to show physical signs of tension.
Here is a list of signs of stress your body may have.
Check which ones you might have felt. Think about if there are other things you feel in your body when you are stressed that are not listed here.
- Cold or sweaty hands and skin
- Upset stomach (butterflies in stomach)
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Skipped heartbeats
- Fast and shallow breathing
- Tight muscles that cannot relax in your face, neck, or back
- Legs or hands that want to move all the time
- Not sleeping well; trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Headaches or stomach aches
- Low energy or feeling tired for no good reason
- Biting nails
- Feeling shaky.
Mind stress
Sometimes a bad feeling, anger, nervousness, or sadness can be a clue that you are feeling stressed. You may have difficulty concentrating or feel like you can’t stop worrying about something. You might feel really hopeless. These are signs of mind stress.
Here is a list of feelings you may have when you are stressed.
Check which ones you may have felt. Think about if there are other feelings you may have when you are stressed that are not listed here.
- Moody
- Easily irritated or feeling on edge
- Nervous, jumpy, or restless
- Worried or anxious
- Racing thoughts; cannot stop thinking about things
- Sense of being overwhelmed
- Scared
- Out of control
- Unhappy, sad or depressed
- Grumpy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Desire to escape or run away.
