Not everyone feels stress in the same way. Some of the effects of stress include:
- A faster heart rate
- Skipped heartbeats
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Dizziness
- Loose stools
- Frequent need to urinate
- Dry mouth
- Problems swallowing
- Hard time focusing
- Feel tired most of the time
- Lose your temper more often
- Problems falling or staying asleep
- Nightmares
How do you help manage your stress?
- Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet.
- Get enough sleep and exercise.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Do not use nicotine, cocaine, or other street drugs.
- Learn and practice ways to relax. Find out about yoga, tai chi, or meditation.
- Take breaks from work. Balance fun activities with your job and family duties.
- Schedule leisure time every day.
- Spend time with people you enjoy, including your family.
- Try learning to make things with your hands, playing an instrument, or listening to music.
- Think about what might be giving you stress. Keep a diary of what is going on when you have these feelings. Then, find someone you trust who will listen to you. Often just talking to a friend or loved one is all that you need to feel better. Check if your community has support groups and hotlines.
- Ask your health care provider if any drugs or medicines you are taking can cause anxiety.
- You have feelings of panic, such as dizziness, rapid breathing, or a racing heartbeat.
- You are unable to work or function at home or at your job.
- You have fears that you cannot control.
- You are having memories of a traumatic event.
- You have suicidal feelings.
- Do not stop taking any prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor.