10 stress symptoms that you may assume & how to handle them

Mood swings, irritability, and skin break-outs are some of the most obvious signs of stress that we all know about. However, there are more stress symptoms that we may not be too familiar with and probably brush them off, without realizing our bodies are actually trying to let us know that something is amiss.

Here we are listing 9 stress symptoms that everyone should read

Pain in the neck

“Stress definitely affects our musculoskeletal system, resulting in tight, contracting muscles and/or spasms,” Dr. Lombardo says. “It gets us ready for fight-or-flight, even though unlike our cave-women ancestors, we don’t actually need our bodies to react like this.” To ease the ache, slowly turning your head around and taking 5 to 10 deep breaths will do the trick. You can also massage the area gently.

Regular headaches

Stress is a common cause of tension headaches that have triggers like light sensitivity. Managing your stresses is the only permanent cure for it.

Rashes on the skin

Having a random rash appear on your skin could also be a sign of stress. The rashes often appear as raised spots or hives on the stomach, back, arms, and face. “While we don’t know why it occurs, some experts believe that it has to do with the adverse effects of stress on the immune system.” Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo says, “Histamine is released, [and that causes] these itchy bumps.” Taking breaks to breathe deeply will help in stress reduction.

Nausea keeps hitting you

Stress can actually make you physically sick, some people often feel nauseous, but it’s usually temporary. Chewing ginger will help much on it.

Loss of memory

Even simple tasks like remembering where you placed your cap can be hard when stressed. “Chronic stress can literally shrink the size of the hippocampus, which is responsible for some memories,” Dr. Lombardo says. “Luckily, its size will go back to normal once your stress level reduces.” Physical exercises also come in handy.

Drop-in libido

Mayo Clinic has reported on low sex drive being linked to stress and advises seeing a counselor if you are missing out on your sex life significantly.

Indecisiveness

Stress causes distractions and you lose focus on your to-do list. Exercising large muscle groups will help in regaining clarity. Being outside in the light will also help by boosting your serotonin levels thus improving your mood.

You start having cavities

This is majorly caused by the grinding of teeth when stressed. Try setting aside time to list down your troubles and ways to solve them. This will help with reducing the pressure you feel.

You become lazier, feel physically exhausted and want to sleep

Stress hormones cause an adrenaline surge, the body eventually crashes and sleep is all you want. Stress can also ruin the quality of your sleep, so you wake up tired and irritable.

Getting in bed half an hour earlier than usual helps in decompressing as the environment is calming. Electronics should also be powered down for more effectiveness.