Usually, strong emotions come and go, and normal physiological equilibrium is restored. But when emotional stressors endure for long periods of time, they can tip the balance of chemicals in brain and body and affect your health, often for the worse.

Learning to recognize the physiological consequences of your emotions, and finding ways to establish emotional balance in your life, can help you avoid many health problems that may result from the way you react to the world around you.

Here are examples of common emotions, along with some observed physical consequences:

• Anger: Increase in diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output; changes in respiration; dilation of blood vessels (flushing); dilation of pupils and tearing of eyes; tensing of muscles; hyperactivity (pacing, tapping feet, etc.); focused vision; sweating; stimulation of upper gastrointestinal (GI) contractions and acid secretion; suppression of immune response.
• Fear/anxiety: Increase in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output; constriction of blood vessels (pale skin); increased muscle tension; changes in respiration; tightening of throat; trembling; light-headedness; shortness of breath; sweating; nausea; inhibition of contractions and secretions of the upper GI tract (feelings of lack of appetite and fullness); stimulation of the motility and secretions of the lower GI (abdominal pain and diarrhea); suppression of immune response.
• Shame/guilt: Flushing or warmth in the upper chest and face; irregular breathing; increased pro-inflammatory activity; increased vulnerability to stress
• Joy/pleasure: Slowing of heart rate and respiration, lower blood pressure. Sadness/grief: Tightness in throat and eyes; relaxation of arm and leg muscles; increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure; shortness of breath; insomnia; pain; gastrointestinal symptoms; fatigue;headache; chest pressure; backache; dizziness; suppression of immune response.
• Disgust: Slowed heart rate; nausea; increased salivation.
• Loneliness: Sleep disturbance; lack of appetite; reduced energy; headaches or stomach pain; high blood pressure; elevated stress hormones.
• Love/desire: Slowed heart and respiration rate; muscle relaxation; enhanced immune response. When intense (love sickness), can be associated with dry throat, increased respiration; changes in appetite, and sleep disturbance.
• Humor/laughter: Release of tension; lowered blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate; elevated immune response; improved pain tolerance; increased levels of endorphins resulting in improved mood.

What you can do when emotions seem overwhelming, try these techniques for rapidly establishing more emotional balance:

• Learn relaxation techniques. Yoga, deep-breathing exercises, meditation and visualization can help you reduce emotional stress.
• Do things that relax your senses. Play soothing music, go somewhere where you can see or walk in peaceful natural Surroundings; get a massage.
• Release energy. Take out your anxiety or anger through vigorous physical activity such as raking leaves, doing housework or going for a brisk walk.
• Talk about it. Make a date with a loved one or trusted friend and vent your feelings. Talking about what bothers you can be a good way to diffuse pent up emotions.

Many factors can impact your emotions and your body. If you find you can't manage your emotions on your own, it's important to get help. There are effective therapies available that can help you reduce unhealthy stress and restore a sense of calm and control to your life.

If you think you may be experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should contact a licensed mental health clinician and be evaluated. You could be experiencing an anxiety disorder or some other mental health problem, such as depression.