We generally use the word “stress” when we feel that everything seems to have become too much. We feel overwhelmed. It also makes you wonder whether we really can cope with the pressures placed upon us.

What is stress?

Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. The body’s defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction or the “stress response” when you sense danger.

Stress isn’t always bad. It can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do your best when it is experienced in small doses. But when experienced continuously over a period of time, your mind and body pay the price. You can protect yourself by learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of chronic stress and take steps to reduce its harmful effects.

Symptoms of stress

The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the common symptoms of stress overload.

 

Observe your behavior and watch out for these symptoms. Get help if you think your symptoms are severe and are affecting your day-to-day life. We will talk about causes of stress in our next article.