Sometimes, stress and anxiety may affect people in other ways then feelings of being overwhelmed. People with the emotional symptoms of nervousness, anxiety and tension may experience the adverse effects which accompany these habitual emotional patterns. In many cases the tension has been known to cause various muscle groups to become taut, tense or even tighten.

For example, if a person has difficulty articulating or even expressing feelings, there are basic muscles which may grow tense. The neck muscles may stiffen and become rigid. An individual with repressed emotions or anger may experience chest pain or a tightening in the chest muscles. Generally, contracted muscles restrict energy flow in the body and limit movement.

As the indications of muscle tension may impair normal blood circulation and oxygenation. As a result, individuals may have a propensity of accumulating any excess waste products, such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide. Consequently, muscle tension may play the primary role in the fatigue commonly accompanied by chronic stress.

Use the following muscle tension reliever exercise to help relieve your tension for your unyielding muscles:

• Assume a comfortable position on your back. Gently rest your arms at the sides of your body with the palms of your hands face down.

• Take turns raising alternate arms different times. Hold your arm and hand in the air or elevated for 15 seconds. Focus on the sensations of your forearm.

• Make note of any tense feelings in your arm of whether the muscles are malleable and tender.

• Allow your arm and hand to drop in a relaxed state. The muscles of your arms should be relaxed as well. While in the relaxation position, make note of any other tensed muscles.