Are You Stressed To The Max?

One thing Ive learned about stress is that it isnt always a bad thing

. Stress helps us gear up to meet challenges. However, beyond a certain point, stress can be harmful to your health.

According to helpguide.org, stress can effect:

blood pressure

immune system

can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke

contribute to infertility

speed up the aging process

increase muscle and back pain

headache

stiff neck

digestive problems

sleep problems

depression

Are you stressed? Check out the warning signs:

Cognitive Symptoms

inability to concentrate

poor judgment

seeing only the negative

anxious or racing thoughts

constant worrying

Emotional Symptoms

moodiness

irritability or short temper

agitation, inability to relax

feeling overwhelmed

sense of loneliness and isolation

depression or general unhappiness Physical Symptoms

aches and pains

diarrhea or constipation

nausea, dizziness

chest pain, rapid heartbeat

loss of sex drive

frequent colds Behavioral Symptoms

eating more or less

sleeping too much or too little

isolating yourself from others

procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities

using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax

memory problems

nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

If you fall into these categories (and most of us do) find

ways to limit or avoid stress in your life. If thats not

possible, find a good outlet.

Tip: For some it may be cooking, for others exercise is a great way to relieve stress. It may help to create a list of things to do each day so that you dont let everything pile up at once. But dont be so rigid that you cant relax. Make time for yourself each day. Make YOU a priority.

For more information on stress and ways to manage your stress level go to http://helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm

TIP: If you found this article helpful, you might also wantto read some related Shannon Miller Lifestyle articles:

by: Shannon Miller Lifestyle

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