What is a potential symptom of cumulative stress?

Cumulative stress can lead to various physical and mental symptoms as the body responds to prolonged or repeated stressors. Muscle tension or pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with this condition. When individuals experience ongoing stress, their muscles often become tense as part of the body's natural response to perceived threats, leading to discomfort or pain.

This tension can manifest in different areas of the body, commonly in the neck, shoulders, and back. Over time, this chronic tension can contribute to muscle fatigue and even lead to more severe conditions such as tension headaches or chronic pain syndromes.

In contrast, other options reflect positive states that are generally not associated with cumulative stress. Increased energy levels, improved sleep patterns, and enhanced concentration are indicators of a healthy and well-managed stress state, rather than symptoms of cumulative stress. As such, they do not represent the negative physical manifestations that can occur when stress accumulates over time.