Stress might show up in weight gain, weight loss, nail biting, teeth grinding, illness, headache, grouchy attitude, etc.  This is true no matter the type of stress (good or bad, short-term or long-term) or the source of stress (work, kids, money, spouse, parents, car, etc.). 

I have also discovered stress will usually evidence itself in the same way in your life.  For example, in overeating, a rash, or nail-biting, etc. So learn your stress signs.  When those signs appear, it is time to slow down and take a look at your life and determine where the stress is coming from.

There are as many ways to reduce stress as there things which cause stress: exercise, watching a movie, talking to a friend, taking a nap, taking a bath, listening to music, drinking some tea, etc.  There is also a lot of unhealthy ways to reduce stress which will eventually cause you even more stress: over-eating, under-eating, alcohol consumption, non-prescribed medications, extramarital sex, etc. 

Once you know how you react to stress you have a better chance of noticing your reaction and taking the appropriate measures to reduce the stress.  One thing is for sure – you can never fully eliminate it, but with some practice you can manage it so it doesn’t derail your life.