Emotional Effects of Stress
The emotional effects of stress can be like a roller coaster - moodiness, anxiety and frustration. Take control of stress with these stress management techniques. Do you have trouble concentrating or making decisions? Have you noticed that you are more moody and frustrated lately? Are you getting angry more often? These are some of the emotional effects of stress that you could be experiencing. Your life does not have to be like a roller coaster of highs and lows. Recognize the causes and symptoms of your emotional stress and put in place effective stress management techniques for a healthier and happier life.
Emotional effects of stressThe emotional roller coaster the moodiness, frustration or anger could be a result of the emotional effects of stress. According to a national poll, 42% of Americans say that stress has increased in the last year. This is not surprising given the increasing hours we spend at work and increased financial stress and lack of control they may feel in a number of areas of their life.
| Some emotional stress symptoms |
There are a number of emotional effects of stress, from emotional overeating to feeling overwhelmed and losing a sense of humor. People often complain of poorer concentration, forgetfulness, or have difficulty making decisions when stressed. Research illustrates that that stress can lead to increased incidence of anxiety or depression. Similarly, the stress that you are feeling can be bottled up, waiting to express itself through increased anger and frustration. If you respond stress through angry outbursts then these anger management tips could be beneficial to you. You are also probably experiencing some physical effects of stress too. Some of the physical and emotional effects of stress include: | Effects of Stress | Physical effects- Feelings of nausea
- Feeling faint or sweaty
- Headaches or migraine
- Indigestion, constipation
- Increased skin irritations e.g. eczema
- An increase in minor illnesses
- Feeling tired all the time
| Emotional effects- Increased forgetfulness
- Difficulty making decisions
- A loss of a sense of humor
- Increased irritability or moodiness
- Negative thinking
- Poorer concentration
- Being constantly worried
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When looking at these effects of stress, keep in mind that that these may be symptoms of other medical issues. It is important for you to visit your local doctor for a complete checkup. Recognize what your stress signature is. Knowing your signs and symptoms of stress helps you to put in place an effects stress management technique.
Stress is an inside job the causes and emotional effects of stressWhile each of us responds differently to stress - your emotional response to stress can depend what your causes of stress are. The death of a friend or family member is likely to evoke emotional effects of stress such as grief, sadness or depression. An argument with your coworker or boss can lead to frustration and anger. While financial stress or job insecurity may result in constant worrying and uncertainty about the future.
Recognize what is causing you stress by downloading a cause of stress worksheet.
Your stress healthLife can be challenging sometimes. One stress piled on top of another, the bills to be paid, the argument with the boss and worry about your friends and family. While you may adapt to this type of stress and think you are traveling quite well, you may just be living with an unhealthy level of chronic stress. This unhealthy stress level can impact on your health and wellbeing. Indeed, research indicates that a large percent of doctor visits can be attributed to stress. Unrelenting Stress = Fatigute and Exhaustion When stressed, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol into your bloodstream. You may notice an increase in muscle tension, the heart pounds and your breathing speeds up. This is known as fight or flight response, the alarm phase of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS). Over time you may adapt to the stressor, building up resistance. This is known as the resistance or the adaptation stage. But you may be living with an unhealthy level of stress, and without rest, recuperation or relaxation, your body may enter the final stage, exhaustion. The GAS shows how stress can lead to burnout and poorer stress health. |
| Chronic stress can increase the incidence of health problems, including: | - Heart disease
- Sexual dysfunction
- Headaches and migraines
| - Anxiety and depression
- Sleep problems
- Obesity
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Having an understanding of what is stress, the signs and symptoms of stress, and how this can lead to poorer stress health can inspire you to develop a rationale for your stress management which maximizes your chances of mastery over your stress!
What can you do to take control of stressStress is a fact of life, but it is a choice about whether it needs to be a way of life. Some common stress management techniques involve calming the body and mind with relaxation techniques, while others focus on building a positive mindset to deal with stress.
Keeping a stress diary will give you objective data on your causes of stress and how you react to them. This data can be used to identify how you will cope with stress, will you avoid the cause stress or adapt your response to it. Download a stress diary today and develop you stress management approach.
| Reduce muscle tension with progressive muscle relaxation |
One of the symptoms of stress is muscle tension. Have you noticed increased muscle tension in your shoulders and neck after a hard day at work? Perhaps you may get tension headaches? Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing the muscles. The idea of this body to mind relaxation strategy is that a tense mind cannot reside in a relaxed body.
| Build your resilience to stress with positive thinking |
Have you ever noticed that some people get stressed and frazzled by almost anything yet others appear unfazed and in control. One way that you can increase your ability to cope with stress is to adopt and healthy way of thinking. Positive thinking is one way that you can cope better with stress.
| Practice mindfulness meditation for stress |
You dont have wear robes and sit on top of a mountain to benefit from mindfulness meditation. By adopting a mindful attitude to the causes of your stress, and to life in general, you may develop a greater awareness of your mind and body. Related Articles
| More stress management articles |
Meditation Techniques: Meditation to Reduce Stress and AnxietyTime Management: Time Management Techniques for Stress Relief Work Stress: Tips to Manage your Work Stress Acute Stress: What is Stress - The Short-term Effects of Stress on Health What is Stress: A Contemporary Definition of Stress The Stress Response: Your Body's Reaction to Stress
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