Stress can be one of the most debilitating conditions in our society. It can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. In fact, according to a recent study by the American Psychological Association, over half of all Americans report being stressed at work.
It’s important to know what stress looks like and how to recognize it in yourself or others to take steps toward managing it as soon as possible. In this article, we’ll discuss six warning signs and risk factors of stress.
Warning Signs of Stress
Stress is a normal part of life and can help you perform at your best. But when it becomes too much, it can negatively impact your health. Stress can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other serious health conditions. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to pay attention and seek help from a professional:
Trouble Sleeping
Sleep is an important part of your body’s natural healing process. When you’re stressed, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of wanting to sleep but not being able to. Your body is gearing up for fight-or-flight. Moreover, your brain is telling you that you need to keep going. It can be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep when this happens.
If you’re experiencing this, it can signify that you’re over-stressed and need to take some time to relax. Start by making sure that your bedroom is quiet and dark. Then, try to leave all electronics outside of the room. Don’t even take your phone with you! If these things don’t help, try relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
Low Energy
When you’re stressed out, it can feel like everything is draining you. You find yourself unable to focus on the task at hand, and you’re constantly looking for a nap. Your energy levels are low, and it’s hard to get going.
You might think this is just how life is when you’re busy, but it’s not! It’s actually a sign that your body needs help recovering.
There are a few things you can do to increase your energy levels. First, get adequate sleep. Then, try eating foods that contain plenty of vitamins and nutrients. If you’re feeling really low on energy, consider taking a multivitamin or a B-complex vitamin daily.
You can also try eating some foods high in iron, such as spinach, nuts, and legumes. This will help your body to produce more red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body.
Aches and Pains You Can’t Explain
Many people experience aches and pains that they can’t explain. But not everyone realizes that these could be signs of stress. Our muscles tense up when we’re stressed, which can lead to muscle problems such as back pain or headaches.
If you’re experiencing these aches and pains, try some relaxation techniques. You can also get a massage or take a hot bath or shower. If the pain is severe, consider seeing your doctor for advice on how to manage it.
Wild Mood Swings
If you’ve ever felt like your moods are out of control, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common signs of stress. Moreover, it can be a sign that your body is fighting a battle it never asked for.
Stress can cause wild mood swings in people who normally have stable personalities. The swings may be unpredictable and seem irrational, but they do not reflect your sanity. They’re just your body’s way of reacting to external stimuli. When you’re stressed out, you might feel angry or sad without any good reason or even laugh hysterically at something that would usually make you smile or frown.
If these mood swings start becoming more frequent or severe than usual, talk to someone about how you feel. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if necessary!
Trouble Remembering Things
It’s normal to forget a few things here and there. But if you struggle with more than just a few small missteps, it could be a sign that you’re under too much stress.
When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol—a hormone that’s supposed to help you deal with the problem at hand. But if you’re under too much stress for too long, your cortisol levels can get so high that they actually interfere with the way your brain processes information.
When this happens, it’s like having an electrical overload in your brain. All sorts of things start going wrong, and your brain just can’t keep up.
Lost Interest In Things You Used To Enjoy
When you’re stressed, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that make you happy. If your hobbies and other activities have become less enjoyable or you find yourself thinking they’re not worth the effort, this could be a sign that stress is affecting your life in a negative way.
If this is happening to you, it’s important to take a step back and analyze what’s going on in your life. Why are you stressed? Is there anything that could be done differently? If so, then consider making some changes so that you can feel better again.
Final Note
As you can see, stress is a serious issue that affects people from all walks of life. If you are experiencing any of these signs and risk factors, it’s important that you seek help immediately. It’s important to recognize the early warning signs of stress and learn how to manage it to prevent more serious problems from developing.