Chapter 2: Managing Stress
The Body’s Reaction to Stress
The body reacts to stress in different ways.
In the short term you can notice some of the following:
- mind becomes alert
- quick reactions
- dry mouth
- tension in neck and shoulders
- faster breathing
- faster heart rate
- high blood pressure
- sweaty palms
- diarrhea
- butterflies in the stomach
- lump in throat
- nervous laughter
- bursting into tears
- fidgeting
- nail biting
If the stress continues and you do not do anything to cope with it here are some of the long term effects it can have on the body:
- headaches
- dizziness
- ulcers
- blurred vision
- forgetfulness
- indigestion
- disturbed sleep
- muscle aches
- tension
- fear
- irritability
- nervousness
- loss of confidence
- depression
- anxiety
- nightmares
- drug dependence
- excessive drinking
- heart trouble
- loss of appetite
- mental breakdown