WORRY
Sight
- Furrowed brows or frowning
- Darting eyes, looking around restlessly
- Pale, ashen, or flushed skin
- Slight tremors in the hands or fingers
Sound
- A high-pitched, nervous laugh
- Stuttering or stammering speech
- Heavy, sighing breaths
- The sound of pacing feet or tapping fingers
Touch
- Sweaty palms or cold, clammy skin
- A tightness or knot in the stomach
- Tense muscles, especially in the shoulders and neck
- A twitching eyelid or jittery leg movements
Smell
- The sharp scent of sweat under stress
- The metallic taste of fear in the mouth (also gustatory)
Taste
- Dry mouth or a bitter taste
- Loss of appetite or a nauseous feeling
Internal Sensations:
- Increased Heart Rate: A noticeable acceleration of the heartbeat.
- Stomach Discomfort: Feelings of nausea, butterflies, or a knot in the stomach.
- Tension: Muscle tightness, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back.
- Sweating: Excessive perspiration, particularly in the palms and underarms.
- Breathing Changes: Rapid or shallow breathing, sometimes leading to hyperventilation.
- Fatigue: Feeling drained or exhausted without physical exertion.
- Restlessness: An inability to sit still or relax, accompanied by a sense of urgency.
- Dry Mouth: A parched feeling in the mouth and throat.
- Dizziness: Lightheadedness or a sensation of spinning.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep.
External Sensations:
- Fidgeting: Constant movement of hands or feet, such as tapping, shaking, or shifting.
- Facial Expressions: Furrowing of the brow, squinting eyes, or pursed lips.
- Body Language: Closed posture, such as crossed arms or legs, and protective gestures like hugging oneself.
- Speech Changes: Speaking faster or slower than usual, with possible stammering or a quivering voice.
- Pale Skin: A noticeable paleness or ashen complexion.
- Sweaty Palms: Clammy hands and a general feeling of being sweaty.
- Shaking: Trembling hands or a noticeable shake in the voice or body.
- Avoidance Behavior: Steering clear of situations or people that might trigger further worry.
- Eye Movements: Darting eyes or a fixed, faraway stare.
- Nail Biting: Chewing or picking at nails or cuticles as a nervous habit.