The physiological response to chronic stress is more subtle than the response to acute stress. Instead of causing the body to release epinephrine and creating an immediate “fight-or-flight” response, chronic stress causes the body to release hormones caused glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisol) that help the body to deal with a long-term crisis. The effect of these hormones lasts much longer than epinephrine and can be damaging to several body systems. Stress affects the mind and body, your emotions and your behaviors. In fact, stress has been called America’s number one health problem. Some of the warning signs and symptoms that your stress level may be too high include:

• Mental symptoms such as memory problems, mental fogginess, poor judgment, racing thoughts, or constant excessive worrying.
• Emotional symptoms such as moodiness, irritability, short temper, restlessness, feeling tense or “on edge,” feeling overwhelmed, or feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Physical symptoms such as headaches or backaches, muscle tension, insomnia, heart palpitations, fatigue, weight changes, or frequent illness.
• Social and behavioral symptoms such as isolating yourself from others, neglecting responsibilities, nervous habits such as nail biting, pacing, teeth grinding or jaw clenching, overreacting to minor problems, or picking fights with others.