More often than not, life is full of frustrating hassles, deadlines and demands that lead to stress on a daily basis. Many people experience stress on a daily basis. While stress can be a motivating force that helps you perform under pressure, too much of it is bad for you. Stress has been shown to play a role in digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome and even cardiovascular disease and stroke. Additionally, women are especially prone to stress during menopause, which causes hormone levels to fluctuate.
If you often feel overwhelmed, your stress level is probably unreasonably high. Educating yourself about the signs and symptoms of stress is the first step towards reducing its negative mind/body effects. Here are five signs that you're too stressed out:
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Pain In Your Jaw. If you're experiencing jaw pain, it could be because you've been clenching your jaw muscles. This is something people tend to do when they are feeling tense or anxious, and it can happen while you're awake or asleep. You also may be grinding your teeth, which can lead to a similar pain. A mouth guard can be useful for this. In general, it helps a lot to be aware of what you're experiencing, so that you can get to the root of why you're feeling tense. In the meantime, focus on relaxing your jaw when you feel yourself tensing up.
Itchy Skin. Stress brings about changes in the immune cells found in the skin, causing them to become activated. That can result in itchy skin and rashes. Stress can make certain skin conditions -- psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema - even worse . If your skin has been itching lately, consider the level of stress in your life, and take steps to minimize it. You might also want to visit a dermatologist, who can treat your condition with a cream or lotion
Eye Twitch. Though the exact cause of eye twitching is unknown, it can be a sign that you need to take a break and relax. Sometimes a twitch will go away following a good night's sleep, but it can last as long as three weeks. Fatigue and excessive caffeine intake are the other main contributors to eye twitching. Reducing the cause of the stress is the main thing that will lead the twitching to stop.See Also: 10 Ways to Beat the Blues
Sore Gums. Stress raises levels of the stress hormone cortisol, increasing the likelihood of inflammation throughout your body, including your gums. It can also weaken your immune system, leading to a buildup of bacteria in the mouth that can cause gum irritation and inflammation. In addition to brushing your teeth and flossing regularly, boost your immune system by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and taking a multivitamin.
Nausea. Severe stress can often lead to an upset stomach. High levels of stress have been shown to increase the likelihood of getting stomachaches, partly because hormones are released into the stomach as a result of stress or anxiety. The body produces the fight-or-flight response in reaction to stress, leading to heart palpitations and surges of adrenaline. Exercise can be a great way to combat the effects of stress-induced nausea. Diet also plays a role, so try to drink less coffee and steer clear of spicy foods.
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