The pace of life is hectic, and it can be impossible to keep stress levels at a minimum. On many occasions, it is even difficult to understand that you are experiencing any stress or anxiety. The connection between your mind and body and your mental and physical health is quite fragile. You could be suffering from body aches and pains, which could actually be signs of stress and anxiety. However, you may believe that you are dealing with a physical problem. 

In such cases, it ould be essential for you to recognize the signs which are psychological in nature and do not have any connections with your physical self. What are the symptoms of stress and anxiety? Also, how can you deal with them?

“Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy. There’s going to be stress in life, but it’s your choice whether you let it affect you or not.”— Valerie Bertinelli

These signs could indicate that you have stress and anxiety. 

Frequent headaches. 

You could be clenching your jaw or tensing your neck, shoulder or facial muscles. Grinding your teeth is another symptom, which is a physical response to the stress and can cause headaches.

Restlessness 

Stress or anxiety can cause the common nervous habit of tapping your feet or hands. These signs must not be taken as just a physical symptom.

Body Aches And Tension

Your sympathetic nervous system activates the flight or fight response when you are exposed to stress. Blood supply to major muscle groups increases the tension, preparing you to fight or to flee a situation. If you fail to act in a proper manner, your muscles will stay tight becoming sore or painful.

Gastrointestinal Distress 

Many people notice that their guts are barometers for extreme stress. Stress can lead to diarrhea, nausea, constipation, and stomach upsets.

Acne 

Stress and anxiety can increase the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and this hormone can, in turn, contribute to increased levels of acne.

Frequent Illnesses 

Stress can promote the overproduction of hormones, which can restrict your ability to produce white blood cells that fight diseases. Therefore, stress weakens your immunity and increases the susceptibility to frequent illnesses.

Diminished Interest In Intimate Activity And Fertility Problems 

Stress can inhibit gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which is the main sensual hormone. This may lead to a lower sperm count, affect ovulation, and lower intimate activity.

Panic Attacks

Stress and anxiety can take your baseline arousal to a higher-level, making you susceptible to panic attacks. Stress can also affect your mood, leaving you irritable or susceptible to mood swings. It is quite possible for you to experience difficulties with your concentration, memory, and your decision-making when you come across stressful situations.

How to Understand Whether You Need Help? 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, rest assured that you are dealing with stress and anxiety. The following methods can help you to reduce your stress levels and the accompanying symptoms.

• Indulge in mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness.
• Exercises such as walking, jogging and any other physical activity of the aerobic type will prove helpful.
• Learning some relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and muscle relaxation will also provide a number of benefits.

However, if you are suffering from chronic stress or anxiety that interferes with your daily life, you could be having an anxiety disorder. You should, therefore, seek help from a qualified mental or health professional. Anxiety and similar disorders can be treated by a number of healthcare providers, including psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and clinical social workers.

This discussion is to make you aware that should not ignore physical aches and pains. Don’t simply believe that it has nothing to do with stress and anxiety. Your body could be responding in a way which you are not familiar with. Leaving the matter alone may aggravate the situation and put you in a position where you will need intense attention.  Every individual in present-day lives is leading a hectic lifestyle. As such, it is certain that one will come across some of the above symptoms.