Dealing with the occasional crazy day (or few days) is common for many of us, but when stress is ongoing, it can really affect our mental and physical health.

Here are some signs you might be more stressed out than you realize:

– Trouble concentrating
– Sudden bouts of acne
– Thinning hair
– Stomach aches or neck aches
– Sexual dysfunction
– Recurring headache
– Tough time getting over a cold

We all have to face stressful situations sometimes. Knowing that there’s no avoiding them, it’s best to find productive ways to cope.

What can you do when you feel overwhelmed?

Exercise

Daily walks can do you a world of good, and regular exercise can help you keep those stress levels down. Choose an activity you love, but if you don’t have the time (or energy) for something specific, even getting your blood pumping with a 20 minute walk can make you feel better.

Rest

Just as important as moving is resting. Whether your ideal amount of sleep is seven hours or you’re more of a nine-hour sleeper, getting enough sleep is important for your overall health. Instead of trying to cope with stress by drinking—which is a depressant that disrupts your sleep patterns—turn in on time and get yourself some good shuteye.

Meditate

You might try mantras or you may prefer silent meditation. Whatever relaxation or mindfulness technique you choose, set aside a few minutes for it every day. The more you practice it, the better you’ll get at it. Because true meditation clears your mind of all thoughts—including stressful ones—the simple act of meditation pushes stress away.

Reach Out

Having a strong support system improves our lives in many ways, including reducing our stress. Reach out to those supportive friends and family when you’re having a hard time; just knowing you have a shoulder to cry on helps a great deal.

Journal It

You can also look inward by jotting down your feelings when going through stressful events. Keeping a journal—whether you’re detailing daily events or only writing about major ones—is a great way to channel your emotions.

Your good health depends on effective stress reduction techniques. You may look inward or focus on outward care. Whatever methods you use, learning how to handle stress in positive, productive ways benefits you mentally, emotionally, and physically.