9 signs of stress and how to deal with it

Sometimes life is so busy that it's hard to notice when stress is affecting our health. If you have any or all of these symptoms, your body is likely telling you that it's time to take action.

These 9 symptoms are common signs that your body and mind are under stress.

1. Frequent colds and sore throats
2. Insomnia or restless sleep
3. Headaches or backache
4. General feeling of fatigue
5. Heart palpitations
6. Skin problems
7. Mood swings, sudden emotional outbursts or hostility
8. Stomach and digestive upsets
9. Increased reliance on alcohol or pills to sleep

If you have persistent feelings of pessimism, have difficulty concentrating or have lost interest in ordinary activities, consult your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as possible.

If waiting and delays are a major source of stress, take control by thinking ahead.

• Make appointments with people who have many clients (e.g. doctors) well in advance and request the first slot of the day.
• If you have a later appointment, phone before leaving home to find out if the person you are seeing is on time or running late.
• Shop early in the week and early in the day to avoid long lines at the supermarket checkout – or better still, shop online.
• Keep your mobile phone with you so you can easily let people know if you are running late.
• Carry work or reading material with you so you can use downtime productively. Listen to music or audio books when you are caught in traffic.
• If you are on hold waiting to speak to someone, try to get some simple tasks done. Alternatively, hang up and call again outside the peak time.
• Use your computer to transact as much business as possible. You can do your banking, pay many bills, order food and buy books online without leaving your home and without any delays.

Another effective way to reduce stress is to ensure you get some sun and fresh air every day, as this can be an effective mood-lifter.

• If you have a yard, try gardening. Many people find it a pleasurable and therapeutic activity.
• Simply go for a walk around the block. Even a short time outdoors may help to clear your mind of stressful thoughts.

Stress is a difficult to avoid part of modern life, but too much of it can be a serious health concern. If you can feel stress building up in your life, be sure to talk to someone and seek help if you need it.