In his book, Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Live, Dr. Richard Swenson lists 13 physical symptoms of excess stress. I was amazed to find over half of them going on in my own life. Here are the thirteen:
Stimulation of the cardiovascular system—rapid pulse, palpitations, increased blood pressure, chest pain, arrhythmias.
Gastrointestinal overactivity—hyperacidity, ulcers, irritable bowel, diarrhea.
Tightening of the muscles—esp. of head and neck or lower back.
Headaches
Weight changes—food used as a tranquilizer.
Increase in infections and cancer—compromised immune system
Rashes, itching
Insomnia
Unexplained fatigue
Shortness of breath
Perspiration or cold, clammy hands
Nervous tics, tremors
Teeth and jaw=clenching