When does stress become toxic?

Massage for Stress

We all need a little stress in our lives.  Some stress is necessary to give us the energy we need to deal with immediate problems, meet imminent deadlines, and face dangerous situations.  This “Good stress”, in the right quantities, can be essential for living.  But like everything else, it can be possible to have too much of a good thing.

Too much stress can be detrimental to our health.  Here are some of the warning signs of having too much stress in our lives:

  • sleep disturbances
  • back or neck pain
  • headaches
  • stomach pain/problems
  • weight gain or loss
  • fatigue
  • high blood pressure
  • irregular heartbeat
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • cold, sweaty hands
  • eczema, psoriasis
  • jaw pain
  • frequent illness
  • nervousness, anxiety
  • depression, moodiness
  • irritability, frustration
  • memory problems
  • lack of concentration
  • trouble thinking clearly
  • feeling out of control
  • substance abuse
  • overreactions

It is important to recognize the symptoms of stress and learn what to do about them.  If you have quite a few of the symptoms listed above, then it is definitely time to do something about it. Stress can be managed and kept at safe levels.