But the frantic pace of modern activity leaves many people in a constant state of emergency, taking a lot of the fun out of life and also taking a toll on their health. It doesn't have to be that way, though. Chronic stress doesn' t have to rule your life. Putting stress in its place begins with taking it seriously and understanding that it has important consequences for your health and well-being. Having a baby, moving to a new home, or changing jobs, for example, are all very stressful, even if you're happy about the change.
Excessive stress is linked to problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.
It also contributes to less serious, but nonetheless distressing, conditions such as headaches, backaches, and digestive troubles. It can make body aches more painful, a touchy stomach more upset, or worsen just about any symptom, whatever the original cause. Among the more common signs of stress are headaches, indigestion, muscle pain, sleeplessness, and sweaty palms. Stress can also make you feel unusually nervous, angry, unhappy, or edgy. You may be more forgetful than usual or find it harder to concentrate.