5 ways your body says it's stressed By Mayo Clinic Staff Share Facebook Twitter Print details Stress isn't just unpleasant — it can have real health consequences. Learning to listen to your body is key to managing and reducing your stress levels. Watch to learn the telltale signs of stress your body might be trying to warn you about. Show transcript You hurt Try: Meditate for a few minutes. Breathe through your nose, focusing on each breath, to relieve muscle tension. You reach for unhealthy foods Try: Make eating a conscious decision. Before you eat, ask yourself, "Am I really hungry right now?" You cry more or feel angry or depressed Try: Take a timeout. A few moments of quiet time can help you feel more prepared to handle what's ahead. You're only able to see what's wrong Try: Pay attention to your thoughts. Are they mostly negative? Stop and consider the positives in your life. You turn to smoking, alcohol or drugs Try: Distract yourself. Refocus your attention on a healthy activity, like taking a walk or reaching out to a friend. Guidance from the experts at Mayo Clinic. Show references Stress management: Examine your stress reaction. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-management/art-20044289. Accessed May 20, 2020. Stress effects on the body. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress/effects-musculoskeletal#menu. Accessed May 20, 2020. Mindfulness exercises. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356. Accessed May 20, 2020. Lose weight with mindful eating. The Mayo Clinic Diet. https://diet.mayoclinic.org/diet/motivate/lose-weight-with-mindful-eating?xid=nl_MayoClinicDiet_20141225. Accessed May 20, 2020. Anger management: 10 tips to tame your temper. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/anger-management/art-20045434. Accessed May 20, 2020. Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950. Accessed May 20, 2020. VID-20508727