Do You Have These Signs and Symptoms of Stress?

Stress shows up in our bodies in many different forms. It shows up physically, psychologically, and/or behaviorally so gradually, that before we know it we are in pain, depressed, ill, or have a myriad of other symptoms that leave us feeling just plain "blah". If you're stressed, you probably know it! But have you really considered how that stress is affecting your body and emotions? Below is a list of signs and symptoms caused by long term stress and how the body responds:

Physical Symptoms

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure, palpitations (Caused by increased activity in the autonomic nervous system)

• Headache (Caused by muscle tension and changed blood sugar balance)

• Sweating (Sweat glands are innervated by the sympathetic nervous system - “fight or flight” aspect)

• Hyperventilation (Stress response affects the respiration center in the brain)

• Stomach pains/problems (Low parasympathetic activity slows digestion. Constipation is common)

• Loss of appetite or comfort eating (Stress response changes the perception of appetite)

• Stiff, aching muscles and joints (Constriction of small blood vessels in muscles leads to poor nutritional status in the muscles, build up of waste products, rigidity and pain)

• Recurring infections (Cortisol impairs immune system functions)

• Aggravation of chronic illnesses, e.g. psoriasis, eczema, diabetes, chronic pain (Because stress is an imbalance of basic regulatory processes, symptoms are most common in areas that are already malfunctioning)

Psychological Signs

• Tiredness

• Unenthusiastic

• Lack of concentration

• Memory problems

• Constant anxiety

• Restlessness

• Low spirits

Behavioral Signs

• Sleeplessness

• Aggressiveness, irritability

• Indecisiveness

• Loss of sex drive

• Increased use of coffee, tobacco, alcohol, drugs

If you have any of these signs and symptoms of stress, you can begin to feel better NOW by adding reflexology to a balanced lifestyle! Reflexology is a proven modality for relieving stress in the body so that it can come back into balance and heal itself naturally. A single reflexology session has been proven to:

• Create relaxation

• Reduce anxiety

• Diminish pain

• Improve blood flow to the kidneys, intestines, and feet

• Decrease heart rate and blood pressure

• Increase oxygen saturation

• Lower respiratory rate

*Information on signs and symptoms of stress from Touchpoint, “Round about: Stress” series