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| (Image: Rhonda Baer, National Cancer Institute) |
Here are some popular stress signs and how to combat them:
1. You’re snapping at everyone
Anxiety can really put people on edge. Being worried about finances, getting your kids to basketball practice, or planning an upcoming party are just some things that can really put you on edge. As a result, you may find you’re more easily affected by other things since they “bring you over the edge” on certain emotions. That’s why when someone asks you just ONE THING that is not even out of the ordinary you just SNAP and go off! “WHY DON’T YOU JUST DO IT YOURSELF!”, you yell. Anxiety may also cause physical symptoms that reduce your quality of life by a significant degree, which can also lead to moodiness simply because you’re more unhappy.
2. Your face is breaking out
Stress has been proven in clinical studies to worsen the overall skin condition. This is because stress induces the adrenal glands into the overproduction-mode of oils. So that’s why stressed people experience an increase in acne.
3. Your stomach is doing Bruce Lee kicks!
Being in a state of constant stress can have a serious impact on your tummy. The gut is especially vulnerable to the presence of chronic (and even acute) stress. There has also been evidence to suggest that gut microbiota may respond directly to stress-related host signals. If you’re constantly getting “the runs” or finding yourself holding your stomach due to cramping, it could be stress.
How to control stress…
Now that I’ve mentioned a few stress indicators, and this is by NO MEANS a complete list. There are a million ways your body lets you know you’re stressed. But these are just some ways to get you thinking. Thankfully, there are many ways to mitigate the impacts of stress, including meditation, yoga, aerobic exercise, deep breathing, and spending time in nature - to name a few. The key is knowing yourself, setting limits in your work and home life, and not being afraid to say “no” to tasks that may send you over the edge.