How to Handle Stress?

When you can’t quiet down racing thoughts at night, sleep may be hard to come by.

This may be related to insomnia, but sleepiness may also develop from simply being exhausted from chronic stress.

These are often called tension headaches. The headaches may crop up every time you encounter stress, or they may be ongoing in cases of long-term stress.

Shortness of breath is common with stress, and it can then turn into nervousness.

People with social anxiety often have shortness of breath when they encounter stressful situations. The actual breath issues are related to tightness in your breathing muscles. As the muscles get more tired, your shortness of breath may worsen. In extreme cases, this may lead to a panic attack.

Acne breakouts can occur in some people, while others might have itchy rashes. Both symptoms are related to an inflammatory response from stress.

In turn, you’ll likely experience more frequent colds and flus, even when it isn’t the season for these illnesses.

Some women may miss their period as a result of being stressed.

One study found that women reported feeling less interested in sex when they were anxious. Their bodies also reacted differently to sexual stimulation when they were anxious.

People who experience a lot of stress are more likely to smoke cigarettes and misuse drugs and alcohol. Depending on these substances for stress relief can cause other health problems.

This is associated with cortisol releases that can increase blood glucose (sugar) production.

Although stress doesn’t directly cause ulcers, it can aggravate any existing ulcers you may already have.

Excessive cortisol releases from adrenal glands above the kidneys may lead to fat accumulation. Stress-related eating habits, such as eating junk food or binge eating, may also lead to excess pounds.