Stress is a natural and common psychological and physiological response to challenging or demanding situations. It can be defined as the body’s way of reacting to any demand or threat. It can manifest in various ways and affect both your body and mind.
Stress can be induced or triggered by a wide range of stressors, which can be physical, emotional, or psychological. Everyday stressors include work pressures, relationship difficulties, financial problems, health issues, and significant life changes. When you encounter a stressor, your body undergoes a “fight or flight” response, which involves the release of stress-prone hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This response can increase heart rate, elevated blood pressure, muscle tension, and other physical symptoms.
Stress can manifest in different forms, including acute stress (short-term stress caused by immediate stressors), episodic acute stress (frequent acute stress), and chronic stress (that persists over an extended period). Different people may respond to stress in different ways. Some individuals are more resilient and can cope with stress more effectively, while others may be more susceptible to its adverse effects.
Recognizing the early symptoms of stress is the first step in effectively managing it. Here are 13 common stress symptoms and some strategies for dealing with them: