Anxiety is one of the most challenging conditions to identify, which makes it a very tricky foe. According to Providence Saint John’s Health Center psychologist Dr. David Merrill, it can make you feel out of balance, restless, tired, and irritable. What makes it more difficult to identify is its physical symptoms. You might feel like you're tackling allergies, flu, a cold, or maybe even a hangover.

Unsplash | Your body is so intricately connected that what may seemingly feel like two separate problems, could be caused by the same issue

Since its indicators are so vague, watch out for the following symptoms that act as tell-tale signs of the condition:

1. Shortness of Breath

Your heart and lungs work in tandem to keep the body going so if one is affected, you'll surely notice issues with the other, too. When your heartbeat increases - such as during an anxiety attack - the resulting lack of oxygen causes the lungs to start working twice as hard.

Pexels | This is why a panic attack is usually characterized by shortness of breath and an increased heart rate

2. Sweating or Chills

During an anxiety response, you might experience a sudden change in body temperature. This is because the fight-or-flight response engages your hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating body heat. You could be drenched in sweat, be feeling unusually chilly, or even both at the same time.

3. Indigestion or Nausea

Your central nervous system plays a big role in stress response and your stomach has more nerve fibers than any other part of the body. Just like you feel butterflies in your stomach when you're excited - a nervous system response - anxiety can lead to an upset stomach suffering from issues such as indigestion and/or nausea.

Dealing with Anxiety

Dr. Merrill states that given current conditions, plus the lockdown restrictions people had to deal with for several months, many people experienced anxiety. He adds that mindfulness-based activities like tai chi or yoga can be beneficial in calming down both the mind and body.

Pexels | No matter your change, be sure to have some type of physical activity in your everyday routine

Additionally, it is recommended that you report your symptoms of anxiety to a trained professional. If you have some sort of a stay-at-home order right now, you can opt for some telehealth services made available in light of the pandemic. Other than that, if you experience unusual health symptoms not listed above, it is still recommended that you get yourself checked by a health professional for the sake of staying safe.