Stress is something that affects us all. You may notice symptoms ebb and flow on a daily basis. Stress is everywhere. And, while some stress may not affect you too much, too much stress can really have an impact on your health and wellness. The best way to combat stress is knowing the symptoms of stress. Most of us are used to stress, that we may not recognize it until it's too late. Here are a few ways you can tell you're stressed.

"There are many indicators that can signal stress in your life and body. Beyond those physical signs of sore and stiff muscles are many physiological and emotional indicators. One of the first is feeling rushed and not having time to get everything done. Waking up at night thinking or worrying about unfinished tasks. Feeling like you have more problems, accidents and things going wrong in your life. You find yourself having no patience with coworkers or family. You find it hard to let go of frustrations. There are also other physical problems such as aches, pains, headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure and fatigue."

"Stress can manifest in many different ways. Our mental health, as well as our physical health, can deteriorate from chronic stress patterns. Some of the minor complaints of stress include the inability to focus, trouble sleeping and muscle fatigue, leading to worse symptoms such as extreme weight gain or loss, anxiety or depression if the stress isn't managed."

"Signs of stress are different for everyone but some general ones are headaches, tension, gastrointestinal issues, teeth clenching or grinding, body tension, emotional changes, fatigue, loss of interest, and being scatter-brained."

Now that you know the common signs of stress, it's important to know how to combat it. Here are a few ways you can help manage and reduce your stress levels:

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Reduce your consumption and make a few substitutions. Swap caffeine for herbal teas or fruit juices. And, be sure you reduce your intake of refined sugars.
• Get moving. Physical exercise not only improves your quality of sleep, but also improves your mood. It can be as simple as taking a walk outside. No matter what, try to incorporate some physical activity into your day-to-day.
• Get more sleep and practice relaxation. Massage therapy is a great way to reduce pain, stress and anxiety. By promoting relaxation, massage can also help improve your sleep. To book a massage, visit Massageblissvb
• Talk to someone. Talking to someone about how you feel can be extremely helpful. You can release tension and find help on how to cope with a stress-filled day.