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.

20. A Nagging Sore Throat or Lump-in-Throat Sensation (Globus Sensation)

That persistent tickle, unexplained sore throat, or the distinct feeling of a lump stuck in your throat (known as globus sensation or globus pharyngeus) can be a surprising physical byproduct of chronic stress and anxiety. Muscle tension is a common stress response, and this includes the small muscles in and around your throat and esophagus. When these muscles tighten due to stress, it can lead to these uncomfortable and often worrying sensations. While other medical causes should be ruled out, recognizing stress as a potential trigger can guide effective relief strategies.