Anxiety Can Cause Physical Symptoms During the Working Day
Anxiety is not only experienced through thoughts and emotions. It can trigger a real physical response in the body, particularly when the nervous system senses pressure, uncertainty or threat.
For some people, physical symptoms can appear suddenly, while for others they gradually build throughout the working day.
Physical Symptoms May Include
• Racing or pounding heart
• Sweating or feeling unusually hot
• Trembling or shaking
• Dizziness or feeling light-headed
• Nausea or an unsettled stomach
• Breathlessness or changes in breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Headaches
• Muscle tension or jaw clenching
• Digestive or gastrointestinal symptoms
• Feeling weak, restless or physically exhausted
Why Does This Happen?
When anxiety activates the body's stress response, the nervous system prepares us to respond to a possible threat.
Heart rate and breathing may change, muscles can tense and digestion may be affected. This response can occur even when there is no immediate physical danger.
The experience is still very real for the person having it.
At Work, This Might Mean Someone...
Needs to step away from a meeting, finds busy environments difficult, struggles to speak when anxiety increases, needs additional bathroom breaks, finds eating at work difficult or needs time to regulate before returning to a task.
They may also become worried that colleagues will notice their symptoms, which can increase anxiety further.
Anxiety Isn't Always Visible
Someone experiencing significant physical symptoms may still appear calm, continue working and communicate normally.
Others may mask what they are experiencing because they feel embarrassed, worry about being judged or do not want colleagues to think they are unable to cope.
What Can Help?
Depending on individual needs, support might include:
Regular breaks • access to a quieter space • flexible working • predictable routines • clear communication • reducing unnecessary pressure • time to regulate • supportive check-ins • appropriate workplace adjustments
Rather than assuming what someone needs, ask:
“What would make this situation easier for you?”
Remember
Physical symptoms of anxiety are not someone being dramatic, difficult or simply needing to “calm down.”
Understanding what is happening and creating a workplace where someone can ask for support without judgement can make a significant difference.
If physical symptoms are new, severe, persistent or concerning, they should not automatically be assumed to be anxiety and appropriate medical advice should be sought.
Space to Breathe
