Stress Signals

Stress Signals

Here are some stress signals.Consider what is stressful to you.


Feelings
Anxiety
Irritability
Fear
Moodiness
Embarrassment 


Behavioral
Stuttering or other speech difficulties
Crying
Acting impulsively
Nervous laughter
Snapping at friends
Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
Increased smoking, alcohol or other drug use
Being prone to more accidents
Increase or decrease in appetite
Long commute to work/school
Increase in course load or difficulty/increased responsibility at job
Changes in alcohol and/ordrug use
Roommate problems
Raising children


Thoughts
Self-criticism
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Forgetfulness or mental disorganization
Preoccupation with the future
Repetitive thoughts
Fear of failure 
Breakup of relationship
Financial problems


Physical
Tight muscles
Cold or sweaty hands
Back or neck problems
Sleep disturbances
Stomach distress
More colds and infections
Fatigue
Rapid breathing or pounding heart
Trembling
Dry mouth
Change in health of family member
Major personal injury or illness
Change in social life


Death of a loved one
Relocation
Divorce of parents
Encounter with the legal system
New school/job
Marriage
Lost job
Elected to leadership position
New romantic relationship
Serious argument with
Close friend



Deep breathing exercise
Doing deep breathing exercises for 1 to 2 minutes many times a day for 5 or 6 weeks can help reduce stress.
Try this exercise and see if it helps you.
1. Make sure you are in a comfortable position.
2. Inhale slowly through your nose and count to four.
3. Exhale slowly through your nose or mouth and count to eight (or at least longer than you inhale), letting go of any tension you feel.
4. Relax your shoulders, chest, and stomach muscles as you exhale.
5. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 for a few minutes. Breathe smoothly and comfortably. You will feel your body relax as you do this exercise.

To relieve stress read the other posts.