Stress is a common factor in everyone’s life, though too much stress can negatively affect our health and our relationships. Causes of stress come from every direction: work, finances, spouses, children, uncertainty and more.
Signs and symptoms of stress include
- Not eating or eating too much
- Feeling like you have no control
- Needing to have too much control
- Forgetfulness
- Headaches
- Lack of energy
- Lack of focus
- Trouble getting things done
- Poor self-esteem
- Short temper
- Trouble sleeping
- Upset stomach
- Back pain
- General aches and pains
Even with all these stressors surrounding you, it is important to find ways to relax. By ignoring the effects of stress, you could develop health problems including:
- Depression or anxiety
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal heart beats
- Acne and other skin problems
- For women, menstrual problems
Ways to deal with stress vary by person and could be anything from running to yoga or reading and hobbies. A major part of counter-acting stress is developing a positive attitude. By understanding that you may not have control over everything, you can begin to alter other factors you do have control over, such as organization and learning to be flexible.
The Mayo Clinic provides tips for staying happy and stress management.
