Recognize and react: Stressed out? Listen to your body and make changes

Managing stress may be key to a person’s well-being but it’s not always easy to recognize the ailments that may be the result of pressure at work, financial hardships, difficult relationships or other aspects of daily life. Instead of making the connection between stress at work and the morning headache, we’re often inclined to write off aches and pains as “getting old.” But recognizing common stress symptoms can help you manage them, according to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Unchecked stress can contribute to numerous health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Signs of stress

Consider the following physical and mental manifestations of stress: Body: Headache, muscle tension, chest pain, fatigue, change in sex drive, upset stomach

Mood: Anxious, restless, unmotivated, lacking focus, overwhelmed, irritable, angry, sad, depressed

Behavior: Overeating, undereating, misuse of drugs and/or alcohol, social withdrawal, exercising less often

Managing stress

There are numerous strategies to deal with stress, including:

— Scheduled physical activity — Practicing relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi or massage

— Maintaining a sense of humor — Spending time with family and friends

— Setting aside time for small, simple and solitary activities, like reading a book or listening to music

Source: Mayo Clinic