Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior

Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it. You may think illness is to blame for that irritating headache, your frequent insomnia or your decreased productivity at work. But stress may actually be the cause.

Common effects of stress

Indeed, stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. Being able to recognize common stress symptoms can help you manage them. Stress that's left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Common effects of stress

On your bodyOn your moodOn your behavior

HeadacheAnxietyOvereating or undereating

Muscle tension or painRestlessnessAngry outbursts

Chest painLack of motivation or focusDrug or alcohol misuse

FatigueFeeling overwhelmedTobacco use

Change in sex driveIrritability or angerSocial withdrawal

Stomach upsetSadness or depressionExercising less often

Sleep problems

Act to manage stress

If you have stress symptoms, taking steps to manage your stress can have many health benefits. Explore stress management strategies, such as:

Getting regular physical activity

Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi or massage

Keeping a sense of humor

Spending time with family and friends

Setting aside time for hobbies, such as reading a book or listening to music

Aim to find active ways to manage your stress. Inactive ways to manage stress — such as watching television, surfing the internet or playing video games — may seem relaxing, but they may increase your stress over the long term.

And be sure to get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid tobacco use, excess caffeine and alcohol, and the use of illegal substances.