DO NOT Ignore These 6 Symptoms Of Stress!
Stress is a natural reaction to challenging or demanding situations. However, when stress becomes chronic, overwhelming, and unmanageable, it can become harmful and destructive to both our mental and physical well-being. In this article, we’ll explore six common signs your body and mind might be sending you – don’t brush them off as simple annoyances!
1. Difficulty Sleeping
Do you find yourself lying awake at night, thoughts racing? Trouble falling asleep or waking up frequently during the night are classic signs of stress. Our bodies produce the stress hormone cortisol, which can disrupt our sleep-wake cycle and make it harder to obtain the restful sleep we need.
- What To Do: Try creating a sleep routine by going to bed and getting up at the same time each night, ensuring your bedroom is dark, cool, and as relaxing as possible. Avoid electronic devices and stressful activities in the hours before bed.
2. Frequent Headaches
Stress can provoke muscle tension in the neck and head, leading to frequent, nagging headaches. Sometimes, these tension headaches can even be mistaken for migraines.
- What to Do: Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage occasional headaches, but frequent reliance on medication might be a sign you need to find healthier ways to tackle your stress. Techniques like relaxation exercises, deep breathing, mindfulness, or stretching may provide longer-lasting relief from stress-induced headaches.
3. Irritability and Mood Swings
It’s no secret: stress makes us cranky. When feeling overwhelmed, small things can seem to set us off more easily. Our patience runs thin, and we may see mood swings from sadness to anger. This irritability can then strain our relationships.
- What to Do: Take small steps throughout the day to calm your mind. This could be as simple as short breathing exercises, taking a walk in nature, or even doing a mental ‘reset’ of the situation. Prioritize healthy ways to blow off steam, like exercise. Talking to friends, family, or a therapist can also provide the support needed to navigate stressful times in a healthier way.
4. Digestive Issues
Our gut health and mental health are linked! When we’re stressed, our body shifts focus away from digestion, leading to discomfort. This might manifest as stomachaches, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
- What to Do: Prioritize a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Stay hydrated, manage stress levels, and consult a doctor if digestive issues persist, as they could point to an underlying health condition.
5. Trouble Concentrating or Focusing
When our minds are overwhelmed by stress, it becomes increasingly difficult to focus on tasks. Our thoughts flit around, memory slips, and even following basic directions might feel impossible.
- What to Do: Break down bigger tasks into smaller, achievable steps and eliminate distractions whenever possible. Meditation or mindfulness techniques can train your mind to stay present and manage the constant ‘chatter’ that makes concentration difficult. If work or study-related stress is interfering with your concentration, talking to your manager or teachers may help explore coping mechanisms or offer workload adjustments.
6. Changes in Appetite and Eating Habits
Stress can disrupt our hunger cues and cause either unhealthy overeating or lack of appetite. Some people cope with stress by reaching for comfort foods high in sugar, fat, or salt. Others lose their appetite completely.
- What to Do: Become mindful of when you’re eating for emotional reasons. Choose healthy meals and snacks, and stay hydrated. Avoid restricting calories drastically, as this puts additional stress on your body. Consulting a dietician can help you find a balanced eating plan to support your physical and mental health.
FAQs
- Does everyone experience stress symptoms in the same way? No, different people may experience different stress symptoms in varying intensities. While the signs outlined in this article are common, always listen to your body and talk to your doctor about any changes that concern you.
- Is stress always bad? Not necessarily. In the short term, ‘good’ stress can increase productivity and motivation. The problem arises with chronic, unrelieved stress that leads to a number of physical and mental health consequences.
- What causes stress? The causes of stress vary tremendously. Major life events, daily hassles, work deadlines, relationship conflicts, financial woes, or even traumatic experiences can contribute to feelings of stress, feeling overwhelmed, and worrying.
