May 06, 2025

Aarushi Bhadury

Unexpected Physical Signs Of Stress

​Difficulty breathing ​

When stressed, your body might react by making your breathing feel shallow, rapid, or even like you can't get enough air. This can be a physical manifestation of anxiety and the body's fight-or-flight response kicking in unexpectedly.

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​Blurred eyesight or sore eyes ​

Stress can put a strain on your visual system, leading to temporary blurry vision or feelings of soreness and dryness in your eyes. This can happen due to muscle tension or changes in blood flow related to stress.

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​Sleep problems ​

Stress often disrupts healthy sleep patterns, making it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or causing you to wake up feeling unrefreshed. This lack of restorative sleep can further worsen feelings of stress and fatigue.

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​Fatigue ​

Persistent feelings of tiredness and low energy levels, even after adequate rest, can be a significant physical sign of chronic stress. Your body works harder when stressed, leading to this overwhelming exhaustion.

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​Muscle aches and headaches ​

Tension often builds up in muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back, leading to aches and stiffness. Stress can also trigger or worsen tension headaches, causing pain and discomfort.

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​Chest pains and high blood pressure ​

In response to stress, your heart rate and blood pressure can temporarily increase. Prolonged or severe stress may contribute to chest pain or even long-term issues with elevated blood pressure.

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​Indigestion or heartburn ​

Stress can significantly impact your digestive system, leading to problems like indigestion, bloating, stomach aches, or a burning sensation in your chest known as heartburn. This is due to the gut-brain connection.

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​Feeling sick, dizzy or fainting ​

Intense stress can sometimes manifest as nausea, a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness, and in rare cases, may even lead to fainting spells due to changes in blood pressure or nervous system response.

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​Developing rashes or itchy skin ​

Stress can trigger or worsen skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or hives, leading to rashes, itching, and general skin sensitivity. This is due to the release of stress hormones affecting the immune system.

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​Changes to your period or menstrual cycle ​

For individuals who menstruate, stress can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance that regulates the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods, heavier or lighter flow, or increased pain.

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