If you are a person who is constantly under stress then it is most likely that you fall ill often. Experts say that in the modern world stress is the biggest culprit in weakening human immune system that lead to chronic and acute ailments.

High levels of stress could manifest in several forms, be it in a lack of sleep, a perpetually fatigued feeling and pain in certain muscles across the body.

In these columns, we have dwelt upon some simple steps to beat stress but before seeking treatment it is important to understand whether you are actually stressed out or not. Here is what you would feel if stressed:

1) You suffer from palpitations and abnormal heartbeat. It can cause high blood pressure, blood clot and hardening of the arteries.

2) Constant low grade headache and severe fatigue. You hardly feel fresh even after 8 hours of sleep at night.

3) Back and neck pain as muscles get tense. You are also vulnerable to rheumatoid arthritis.

4) Stress is known to weaken the lungs and bring on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

5) Stress can give you heartburn literally. It worsens symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and colitis.

6) Stress weakens immune system which makes you prone to allergies and skin vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections.