Check the list below for some of symptoms of stress:
Physical symptoms—any recent onset of the following symptoms?
- Trouble sleeping
- Head/neck aches
- Unexplained rashes
- Rapid breathing
- Upset stomach
- Intestinal discomfort
- Tense muscles
- Clenching teeth
Emotional symptoms—are you experiencing any of these mood changes?
- Frequently worried
- Impatient/irritable
- Fear of catastrophe
- Sad mood
- Frustrated
- Resentful
- Overwhelmed
Behavioral symptoms—do any of the behaviors below apply to you?
- Impatient with others
- Misplacing/losing things
- Using alcohol or drugs
- Eat more or less
- Crying jags
- Pull back from friends or family
- Yelling a lot
- Indecisive
Living with stress doesn’t have to be a normal part of life. If youíve recognized that stress is taking a toll on your life, then get going on a plan to reduce your stressors and develop some techniques that help you calm down. There are many resources available—counselors and coaches, Employee Assistance Programs, your physician, stress reduction tapes and books and internet resources.