by Jessica Brown of ContemporaryVA

Stress is a normal reaction to feeling frustration, anger, or nervousness. Stress affects each person differently and can often be a source of motivation for some. Physical symptoms of stress can include muscle tightness, headaches and dizziness. Many find it difficult to focus on the simplest tasks when they have an overwhelming amount of stress on their shoulders.

Anxiety usually comes into play when you have a fear about something. Life changes such as beginning a new job or having a child can make one anxious about the unknowns. Anxiety disorders can interfere with one’s daily functioning.

A panic attack is an anxiety disorder that is often unexpected and can be completely disabling. Being in a confined space such as an elevator can cause a panic attack and in turn create a phobia about similar situations that a person may begin to avoid. That avoidance creates even more anxiety that contributes to the possibility of more frequent panic attacks. Some experience panic attacks so severe that they are unable to leave their homes for fear of being unable to escape the situations they fear most. This particular phobia is known as agoraphobia. Panic attacks happen to people of all ages, including children. A child experiencing this disorder may have declining grades and avoid otherwise normal social activities often enjoyed by other children their age.

Stress management is a fabulous way to get your anxiety and worries under control. Identifying the source of stress is the first step. Then you can try to eliminate that root from your life. If elimination is not possible, a life/performance coach can be quite beneficial in helping you determine how to control the stress and anxiety without letting it control you.

Have you suffered from stress, anxiety, or panic attacks? If so, what have you found helps you to control it?