Understanding the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety and Stress
- By:abel craig
While stress is a normal part of everyday life, the physical symptoms of anxiety and stress can be tremendous. In small doses, stress can actually be good for us because it serves to motivate us, keep us on our toes and help us to be more productive. When we are exposed to too much stress or our response to stress is too strong; however, it can be harmful. In addition to impacting our general health, the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety can also result in very specific psychological and physical illnesses such as heart disease, infection and depression. When stress persists it can also lead to behaviors that are unhealthy such as abusing drugs or alcohol, overeating as well as serious anxiety.
Physical symptoms that can often accompany anxiety include the following:
• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Abdominal pain, frequently common in children
• Fatigue
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid or irregular heart rate
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Irritability
• Sleeping difficulty
• Nightmares
• Decreased concentration
• Sexual problems
While these manifestations of stress and anxiety can be disturbing and frightening the good news is that there are steps you can take which can help to reduce the severity and frequency of many of these symptoms.
Chest pain can be one of the most frightening physical symptoms of anxiety and stress because it may cause you to believe you are having a heart attack. If you’re not sure whether the chest pain you are experiencing is related to anxiety and stress it is, of course, a good idea to seek immediate medical attention. If you believe; however, that the pain you are experiencing is simply a physical symptom of stress, deep breathing exercises may help.
Shortness of breath can also be extremely disturbing. One of the best ways to handle this type of physical response to stress and anxiety is to try and remind yourself that it is only a symptom of the anxiety and you are actually getting enough oxygen to your lungs. Sitting down and taking slow deep breaths can also prove to be helpful. Deep breathing exercises can also prove to be helpful in treating another common physical symptom of anxiety and stress, difficulty swallowing.
Dry mouth, another common symptom of anxiety and stress can be alleviated by taking small sips of purified water. You may find it helpful to make sure you always carry a bottle of purified water with you.
Sleep disorders, such as nightmares and problems staying asleep, can also become regular symptoms of anxiety and stress. Relaxation and breathing techniques as well as trying to maintain a regular sleep schedule can help with this symptom.
Weakness in the legs and arms often occurs as a result of changes in muscle tension and blood oxygen. Light exercise can often help to relieve the tingling you may experience as a result of the effects of stress and anxiety.
By taking the time to practice the techniques described above you can begin experiencing relief from the physical symptoms of anxiety and stress.About the author:
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