What is a common physical symptom experienced during stress?

Headaches and muscle tension stand out as common physical symptoms experienced during stress due to the body's physiological response to stressors. When an individual encounters stress, the body triggers the fight-or-flight response, which involves the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare the body to react to perceived threats but can also lead to muscle tightness and discomfort, particularly in areas like the neck, shoulders, and back. This tension often manifests as headaches, especially tension headaches, which can be exacerbated by prolonged stress and poor posture.

While other symptoms, such as nausea, excessive sweating, and loss of appetite, can also arise during stressful situations, they are not as prevalent or universally experienced as headaches and muscle tension. This makes headaches and muscle tension one of the most recognized physical symptoms linked to stress.