How to handle stress

It's important to learn how to recognize when your stress levels are out of control. The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. You get used to it. It starts to feel familiar, even normal. You don't notice how much it's affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll.The signs and symptoms of stress overloadcan be almost anything. Stress affects the mind, body, and behavior in many ways, and everyone experiences stress differently. Not only can overwhelming stress lead to serious mental and physical health problems, it can also take a toll on your relationships at home, work, and school.Stress doesn’t always look stressfulPsychologist Connie Lillas uses a driving analogy to describe the three most common ways people respond when they’re overwhelmed by stress:*.Foot on the gas– An angry, agitated, or “fight” stress response. You’re heated, keyed up, overly emotional, and unable to sit still.*.Foot on the brake– A withdrawn, depressed, or “flight” stress response. You shut down, pull away, space out, and show very little energy or emotion.*.Foot on both– A tense or “freeze” stress response. You become frozen under pressure and can’t do anything. You look paralyzed, but under the surface you’re extremely agitated.