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

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.

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:

• Spending time outdoors/nature

• Getting regular physical activity

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

• Keeping a sense of humor

• Spending time with family and friends even virtually

• Setting aside time for hobbies, such as reading a book or listening to music, gardening, healthy cooking, writing, art, etc.

• Learn something new

• Develop a “bucket list” and plan to achieve and experience the items on your list

• Identify and remember all of the positives in every situation you encounter

• Write in your journal, start a gratitude journal

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.

Stay safe and enjoy 2021 and beyond!