It’s easy to identify the physical things that keep you healthy. You have to eat right, exercise, get enough sleep and avoid certain behaviors like smoking, excessive drinking and skydiving without a parachute. You have to get regular checkups, wear your sunscreen and put a helmet on your head before you do any mountain biking or Harley riding. However, you can do all the right things physically and still suffer from health problems. Many people neglect their mental health, and that can be just as damaging to your body. If you aren’t paying attention to your stress and anxiety levels, you could be putting your health at risk. Stress factors can contribute to everything from the common cold to chronic illnesses. Make sure you have healthy ways to relive stress, otherwise it could end up harming you.

1. Fatigue

Everyone feels stressed and anxious once in a while. Maybe you have a big test you’re nervous about, or a job interview you know you have to ace. Perhaps a fight with a best friend has you feeling anxious. If you experience so much stress that it causes you to lose sleep, you will be setting yourself up for several physical problems. Fatigue can lead to physical exhaustion, which can lead to dehydration and other, more serious problems.

2. Blood Pressure

I know when I’m anxious because my cheeks flush to a bright pink color that makes me look like a walking sunburn. That’s my blood pressure reacting to whatever is causing my stress. When your blood pressure gets too high, your heart reacts and the blood does not flow properly to your head and other parts of your body. Once in a while, it’s usually manageable. However, if your stress and anxiety are so persistent that your blood pressure is consistently elevated, you need to find a way to relieve stress. Otherwise, you’ll have cardiovascular problems to worry about an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

3. Depression

Stress, anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. If you can manage your stress factors without slipping into a depression, you’ll be fine. If you find that the stress and anxiety in your life makes everything seem hopeless, and you simply aren’t willing to participate in your life anymore, you need to get help. Depression can lead you to unhealthy behaviors and cause you physical pain. People who are depressed are also more likely to become physically ill. When your stress leads to depression, talk to your doctor or seek the assistance of a therapist or counselor.

Working hard to maintain good health is important. If you spend too much time paying attention to how many calories you’re eating and how much time you spend on the treadmill at the gym, you might be missing a big piece of the puzzle. Stress factors and anxiety levels also contribute to the state of your physical health. Make sure you care for yourself physically as well as mentally, and don’t let your stress and anxiety make you sick.