Stress
It’s long known that stress can physically affect the body. For example, stress can lead to headaches, a racing heart, and even stomach problems. But did you know that stress can also cause the hands to shake?
When we experience stress, the body prepares for fight-or-flight by releasing adrenaline. This adrenaline rush increases the heart rate and blood pressure while redirecting blood flow away from non-essential functions like digestion. This is why an individual may feel like they have butterflies in their stomachs when they’re stressed out.
In addition to these physical effects, adrenaline also increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. When this response is activated, it can cause the hands to shake due to increased muscle activity. Although it may not be possible to avoid stressful situations completely, there are things one can do to manage stress levels and keep the hands steady. For example, deep breathing exercises or meditation can calm the sympathetic nervous system and reduce the physical effects of stress on the body.
