Learn to recognize your signs of stress — physical, emotional, and behavioral — how stress affects your heart, and how to identify what's triggering it.

Stress is a normal response to hard situations in our daily lives. While a little stress can be helpful, too much stress may affect your overall health. Knowing the signs of stress can help you better manage stress and feel better in the long run. So how do you identify your signs of stress? Let's understand how stress works in the body. First, stress increases heart rate. During stressful situations, our heart rate can rise, leading to an increased workload on our hearts. Second, stress elevates blood pressure. Long-term stress can cause temporary increases in blood pressure, which, if ongoing, may damage blood vessels and contribute to heart problems. Third, stress may lead to unhealthy coping habits. Behaviors like overeating, smoking, or not getting enough physical activity can negatively affect your heart health.

Next, know your signs of stress. These are common signs that can help you know when you, or someone you know, might be feeling stressed. Pay attention to: one, physical signs — tense muscles, headaches, stomach aches, fatigue, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

Two, emotional signs — feeling irritable, anxious, overwhelmed, or sad; having difficulty concentrating; or experiencing mood swings. And three, behavioral signs — frequently crying, withdrawing from family and friends, neglecting responsibilities or hobbies, or engaging in unhealthy behaviors.

And lastly, identify the source of the stress. The signs of stress are often not the source or cause of your stress. Sources may include: one, acute stress — short-term stress that occurs in response to a specific event or situation, such as a sports game or being late. Two, chronic stress — this form of stress lasts for a longer period and can result from ongoing problems like family illness or finances. Three, environmental stress — stress caused by your surroundings, such as noise, pollution, traffic, or a busy schedule. And four, internal stress — stress that comes from within, such as worrying about work, family, or personal wellbeing. Managing stress is essential for a healthy heart. It's important to recognize and address different types of stress for good overall wellbeing. By being aware of the signs of stress, understanding its impact on heart health, and recognizing the different types of stress, you are taking important steps towards managing stress effectively. Thank you for watching "How to Identify Your Signs of Stress."