We all know stress has a tendency to wreak havoc on our moods, but did you realize it can also cause some really weird things to happen in our bodies? It’s true. When we’re under too much pressure, our bodies will often send us small messages to alert us to the fact that we need to chill. Here are 18 strange body responses to stress, as per real Doctors at WebMD.
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Erratic muscle twitches or spasms
Ever notice your eye or lip twitching randomly? This can be a sign that your body’s nerves are reacting to stress and overstimulation.
Strange rashes or itchy skin
Has your skin suddenly started to react to soaps or lotions that never bothered it before? Stress can cause itchy rashes or hives to break out.
Unexpected pimples or acne
Despite being careful with your diet, your skin might suddenly break out in pimples. Stress messes with your hormones, which leads to surprise acne when you least want it.
Hair loss or shedding
Have you suddenly noticed clumps of hair coming out when you brush your hair or wash it? Stress can cause hair to prematurely enter the “fall out” phase.
Digestive issues or stomach cramps
Stress can totally mess with your gut, making you feel nauseous or crampy. Sometimes you even end up running to the bathroom more often because your digestive system is on edge.
Jaw pain or teeth grinding
Are you grinding your teeth at night without realizing it, or waking up with an aching jaw? Clenching your jaw in response to stress can do this.
Dizziness or light-headedness
Do you often feel lightheaded when standing up from a chair or sitting down? Stress can throw off your breathing and blood flow, which leads to lightheadedness.
Cravings for comfort foods
Have you noticed that you suddenly have the urge to snack on junk foods, like chocolate, ice cream, or chips? Stress often causes us to crave the wrong kinds of foods.
Loss of appetite
Some people experience a total loss of appetite when they’re stressed. You might skip meals and not even realize it.
Muscle aches and pains
Have you woken up with a sore back or shoulders, without remembering over-exerting yourself? Stress can cause you to tense up and store tension in these areas.
Stressful or vivid dreams
It’s not unusual to dream more vividly or intensely when we’re under stress. You might have an increased number of nightmares as a result.
Breathing issues
You’re not exercising, but suddenly you feel like you can’t take a full breath. Stress can cause irregular breathing patterns or even the feeling of shortness of breath.
Cold extremities
Your body sends blood rushing to your core when you’re stressed, in order to protect your vital organs. This can leave you with cold hands and feet.
Ringing in your ears
In some people, stress can cause a high-pitched ringing in the ears called tinnitus. It’s not dangerous, but it can be irritating.
Memory issues or brain fog
You keep forgetting things, or have a hard time concentrating? Stress can cause us to feel foggy or forgetful.
Sweating or clammy hands
You aren’t exercising, but you’re suddenly sweating through your clothes or have clammy hands? Stress can overstimulate your sweat glands.
Racing heart or palpitations
You’re sitting perfectly still, but you find your heart is suddenly racing. This is your body’s fight-or-flight response activating when it doesn’t need to.
Unexplained crying spells
Have you found yourself bursting into tears unexpectedly over small things or even commercials? Stress often comes out through the emotions in this way.
Source: Dr. Shruti M at WebMD
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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