Recognising when you're stressed could be the first step to relief.
Life has a funny way of seeming perfectly normal until the moment it doesn't. One minute, you're juggling work, family, and personal tasks like a pro. The next minute, you're feeling completely overwhelmed and unsure of how to keep all the balls in the air. But are you simply busy, or are you actually stressed?
Let's dive into understanding the signs of stress and how to address them before they take a toll on your health and happiness.
Your Body is Talking - Are You Listening?
Stress doesn't just affect your mind - it also manifests physically. Here are a few signs your body might be giving off when you're stressed:
- Sleep disruptions: Are you struggling to get a good night's sleep? Tossing and turning or waking up feeling tired could be signs of stress.
- Constant headaches: If you're frequently dealing with headaches, it might not just be due to poor posture or screen time. Stress could be the culprit.
- Stomach issues: Stress can upset your gut, leading to problems like stomach aches, constipation, or diarrhea.
- Frequent illness: A stressed body is an easy target for bacteria and viruses. If you're falling sick often, it might be due to stress weakening your immune system.
- Hormone imbalance: stress can disrupt your body’s natural hormone balance causing high cortisol levels. This can impact our menstrual cycle, acne, weight gain, hair loss and thinning.
Emotional Cues to Watch Out For
Stress also affects your emotions and behavior. Here's what to watch out for:
- Irritability and impatience: Stress can make you short-tempered and impatient. If small things get on your nerves, it's time to assess your stress levels.
- Feeling overwhelmed: If you constantly feel like you're running out of time, it’s a clear sign of stress.
- Mood swings: Rapid emotional shifts — from happiness to sadness, anger to apathy — might indicate that stress is getting the better of you.
- Lack of concentration and forgetfulness: If you're unable to focus or keep forgetting things, stress might be impacting your cognitive functions.
Spot It Early, Nip It in The Bud
Recognizing these signs is the first step towards managing stress. If you've spotted a few of these symptoms, don't panic — stress is a part of life. But don't ignore it, either. Take steps to manage stress, like making time for relaxation, using mindfulness techniques, or seeking professional help if necessary.
Remember, it's okay to ask for help and prioritize your mental health. After all, you can't pour from an empty cup. Stay healthy, stay happy, and keep stress at bay!
Lots of love,
Ness & Me
#TakeTheJourneyWithMe