How to Treat Symptoms of Stress

The Mayo Clinic says stress can cause a wide variety of physical and mental symptoms. It can cause headaches, high blood pressure, an upset stomach, eating too much or too little and impaired immunity. It can trigger sadness, crying spells, anger, irritability and depression. It can even lead to conflicts with others and social withdrawal. Fortunately there are ways to treat these symptoms so they don't impair your life.

Instructions

• 1

  Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fruits. The Bupa health website says that eating healthy can offset some stress symptoms. Stress can cause you to eat too much or too little. Planning out healthy meals will help you eat the proper amount of nutritious foods. This can also help prevent stomach upsets.

• 2

  Confront potential problems assertively. Bupa says you should draw limits instead of agreeing to things you cannot handle. This can decrease negative feelings like irritability or anger caused by taking on too many responsibilities.

• 3

  Exercise for at least half an hour each day. According to Bupa, the exercise can be something as simple as walking. When you take a brisk walk, you are forced to go outside instead of isolating yourself and focusing on the stress.

• 4

  Don't drink alcohol or take drugs that have not been prescribed for you. Bupa says drugs and alcohol will impair your ability to cope with stress symptoms in a healthy way. They can also make certain symptoms worse by increasing negative feelings like sadness or anger.

• 5

  Use stress management techniques regularly. The Mayo Clinic recommends things like yoga, tai chi and meditation. These techniques can improve both physical and mental stress symptoms.