Why do my hands tingle when I am anxious?

Anxiety can make your hands tingle because your body shifts into “fight-or-flight.”

Main reason: many people start breathing too fast or too shallowly without noticing. That lowers carbon dioxide in the blood, which can change blood chemistry and make nerves more sensitive, causing pins-and-needles feelings.

Also common: adrenaline can narrow blood vessels in the hands, so they may feel cold, numb, or tingly.

What helps:

• Slow your breathing, with a longer exhale than inhale
• Try box breathing or belly breathing
• Ground yourself by pressing your feet into the floor or holding something cool

If the tingling happens often, lasts a long time, or comes with chest pain, fainting, weakness, or trouble speaking, get medical help.