Shaking is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety, and one of the clearest ways to tell that you're nervous. There are confident public speakers - men and women used to being in front of an audience - whose hands will shake violently during their presentations because it is a part of anxiety and nervousness that is very hard to control.

It is also a common issue in anxiety disorders. This article will explore the causes and solutions to anxious shaking.

Temporary and Problematic Shaking

Once in a while, you're going to find yourself nervous—you may be on a first date, you may have an important test, or you may be giving a speech or a presentation. It is only natural to feel nervous in these times, and unfortunately, there is little that you can do to control the shaking. 

But there are many people that shake all the time, at random times of day, even when nothing is there to trigger it. There are people who shake at work, at home, and every time they have a panic attack. This may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Why the Body Shakes During Anxiety

Shaking is a result of an activated fight or flight system - an evolutionary tool that's meant to keep you safe in times of danger. During intense anxiety, your body is flooded with a hormone called epinephrine (adrenaline). That hormone activates your nerves and muscles, giving them the energy they need to fight, flee, or react.