In order to better manage our stress levels, it’s crucial to understand what stress entails and why it happens. Stress is our body’s natural reaction to harmful situations, regardless of whether they are real or perceived. When we feel threatened, a chemical reaction takes place. This reaction forces us to protect ourselves and is better known as ‘fight or flight.’ When the body is responding to stress, the heart rate increases, muscles tighten, and blood pressure rises.
There are many physical signs of stress such as: insomnia, migraine, jaw pain, muscle tension, appetite change, anxiety, aches and pains. There are also many emotional signs of stress such as depression.