Areas where you are likely to feel stress or anxiety related to anxiety are the neck and shoulders. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain as well as other health issues.

When you experience a stressful event or a period of anxiety, the muscles contract, sometimes forcefully. This is an automatic or reflex reaction. It is known as a response to stress or a "fight or flight" response.

In other words, it is your body's way of preparing you to face a perceived physical threat. Along with muscle tension, you may also notice other physical symptoms when you are stressed or anxious, such as:

- rapid heartbeat
- rapid breathing
- cold skin
- sweating

Fortunately, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders responds well to stretching, yoga, relaxation and other stress management methods.

Exercises:

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