5 Warning Signs That You Are Way Too Stressed (And Don’t Even Know It)
By “It’s not stress that kills us, it’s our reaction to it” – Hans Selye
Many studies have shown that high stress levels can lead to numerous mental, physical and emotional conditions. Some people are able to recognise when their stress levels are out of control and can effectively manage it. However, it is also common for people to operate in an overstressed mind and body without ever knowing it. Stress is deceptive, it can creep up on you and take its toll, causing you a great deal of harm. Even if you don’t realise that you’re stressed, your body will still feel the repercussions. Here are five clear warning signs that you are overstressed and need to practice more self-care.
You Suffer From Chronic Pain
High levels of stress can have a direct impact on your body, as a result, you may experience heart palpitations, muscle aches or stomach ulcers. When your body hurts, pay attention. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is not right and you should heed this warning and take steps to physically feel better.
Your Sleep Pattern Fluctuates
If you’re sleeping too much because you are burnt out or, even struggling to fall asleep, then this is a sure sign that you are stressed. Though sleeping patterns do change over time, any drastic fluctuations are a real cause for concern.
You Obsess Over Your Problems
When work, financial worries or other outside influences become the cornerstone of your life, it can be a major alarm bell that stress is controlling you. Don’t let stress suffocate you. For example, you can set a cut-off time so that you don’t constantly check emails from work, and you can also create a budget to help you manage your finances.
You Have Extreme Mood Swings
Stress hormones can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions. If you find that you are happy one minute and angry the next, then this could be a sign that you are bottling up intense emotions and not taking proper care of yourself. In order to figure out what is stressing you out, you will need to take a deep breath and then make a deliberate attempt to explore your emotions.
You Suffer From A Loss Of Libido
Stress can have a direct impact on your sex life. Being overstressed can lead to exhaustion, hormonal changes and this, in turn, can make intimacy less appealing. If your sex drive has declined, talk about it openly with your partner and find ways to generate solutions.
Read more: 10 Ways The Most Successful People Handle Stress
Image Featured/Credit: pixabay
Written by: Fattima Mahdi
Fattima Mahdi is a author, mentor, lyricist and professional roller-skater. She uses both her love for writing and music to address socio-political issues prevalent in society today. She is also the proud author of Love Don’t Come Easy. Read More stories by Fattima Mahdi
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