Which symptom can be caused by stress overload?

Muscle tension is a well-documented symptom that can result from stress overload. When an individual experiences high levels of stress, the body's natural response includes the activation of the fight-or-flight response, which prepares the body to deal with perceived threats. This response can lead to various physical manifestations, including muscle tension, as muscles become tense in preparation for action. It often occurs in areas such as the neck, shoulders, and back, resulting in discomfort or pain.

In contrast, increased motivation can often be a reaction to moderate levels of stress, where individuals may feel energized to tackle challenges. However, this is not typically associated with stress overload. External distractions, while they can occur, are not a direct symptom of stress overload; rather, they are often a result of difficulty focusing due to anxiety. Heightened excitement might occur in some stress situations but does not relate to the negative impact of stress overload and can be more indicative of positive stress or eustress. Therefore, muscle tension stands out as the clear and direct symptom associated with the physiological response to excessive stress.