In the last exercise you gave some thought to your stress triggers. Now focus your attention on your unique reactions to stress, sometimes called a stress “signature” since no two are completely alike. Read the list below, check off the physical, mental, emotional and behavior reactions you typically experience when you are under stress.
Your Physical Reactions

• Headache
• Muscle tension or cramps
• Dry mouth or bad breath
• Racing heartbeat
• High blood pressure or heart burn
• Cold or flu
• Diarrhea
• Clammy hands
• Constipation
• Teeth grinding
• Skin rash
• Back pain
• Stomach ache or vomiting
• Chest pain
• Laryngitis
• Shaky hands
• Blurred vision
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Dis-ease in the body.
• What have we missed that on your list?

Your Thoughts and Feelings

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Forgetfulness
• Depression
• Apathy
• Nervousness
• Worry
• Confusion or spacy
• Excitement
• Hopelessness
• Cynicism
• Resentment
• Fearfulness
• Hostility
• Difficulty concentrating
• Racing of obsessive thoughts
• What have we missed that on your list?

Your Actions

• Withdrawing from close relationships
• Snapping at others
• Overeating or under-eating
• Being accident prone
• Completing tasks with difficulty
• Trying to do several things at once
• Talking very fast
• Watching more television
• Smoking cigarettes
• Drinking alcoholic beverages
• Taking tranquilizers or other drugs
• Blaming others
• Crying easily
• Compulsively drumming your fingers or flickering your hair.
• What have we missed that on your list?

Something To Consider
Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, sex, food– all can become crutches used to stand up to stress. Because they may temporarily calm your nerves, satisfy your urges, or make you feel more relaxed, you may think they really do help. But crutches, whatever the type, may mask the deeper symptoms of stress. And when abused, they can lead to even more stress. They may make it more difficult for you to live up to your responsibilities, leading to physical burnout. Or they may become an all consuming addiction. Identify whether or not you’re propping yourself up with a crutch, and find other means of support. Then you can learn to “walk” on solid ground without the faulty support of a stress crutch.