22 Unexpected Physical Symptoms Caused by Chronic Stress

19. Persistently Cold Hands and Feet

Even in a warm room, do your hands and feet often feel like blocks of ice? Chronic stress might be diverting your circulation. During the fight-or-flight response, blood flow is prioritized to major muscle groups and vital organs, preparing for action, and shunted away from extremities like fingers and toes. If you're constantly stressed, this physiological response can become a more persistent state, leading to chronically cold hands and feet. This often-overlooked symptom is a clear physical indicator that your body’s stress system is working overtime.