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[av_heading heading=’Signs you’re way too stressed (and how to deal) ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY ROEYNA MAY FAMISARAN
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ONE moment you seem in control of things. The next moment, you see yourself throwing things. There are times you feel good. But most of the time, you’re in a state of anxiety and tension.
All of us experience stress. There are too many factors that contribute to it – the early morning commute, financial problems, horrible bosses, endless workload, relationship blues, etc. Whatever the factors are, it is essential to have good stress management. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 90 percent of all illness and disease is stress-related. Furthermore, Alice G. Walton, a science and health contributor, said in an article published on forbes.com that chronic stress is bad for the body and brain.
“It actually seems to suppress the generation of new nerve cells and inhibit memory, not to mention increase one’s risk for being overweight; developing heart disease and possibly cancer; developing addictions; and experiencing depression, anxiety and sleep problems,” she explained.
But how do you know that you are way too stressed? Here are some signs:
- You become negative
Have you realized that you’ve been putting yourself down too often lately? Or the negative self-talk seems to be taking over your life? You are becoming a pessimist and it does no good to your career and social relationships.
What to do: Take control of your brain. Try to remember all the happy memories. You can also write the things that you are thankful for. Read inspirational quotes and take time to meditate.
- You are irritable
You’ve been snapping at everyone for the past few days due to very petty reasons. A friend’s simple request makes you break buildings and spit out fire. You always look grumpy that even the company security guard hesitates to greet you a “Good morning.” It feels like every person and the smallest actions irritate you.
What to do: When you feel like you’re going to snap, count to 10 while doing heavy breathing. It makes a lot of difference.
- You think about work all the time
If the stress is caused by your work, then this is one of the warnings. Even in your dreams, you see yourself working.
What to do: Find an activity that you can enjoy after work. You can try yoga, biking, or running. Spend time with friends and loved ones. Talk about other things and not about your job.
- You can’t focus well
You are overwhelmed with your workload that you cannot anymore focus on your tasks. You commit mistakes because of your failure to do continued concentration. You fail to meet deadlines. You cannot listen well. You are always spaced out.
What to do: Try making a bullet journal or a to-do list. It will help your organize and prioritize your tasks. You can also try yoga. It has lots of benefits for the mind and body.
- You have difficulty sleeping
Your insomnia is a sign that you are way too stressed. You are exhausted because of your meetings and responsibilities. You feel as if you just want to lie down straight to your bed upon coming home. But does the sleep bug bite you? No. You lie there and look at the ceiling. You change your sleeping position. You turn off all your lights. You listen to the Sleep playlist on Spotify. After a few hours, you are still wide awake.
What to do: According to helpguide.org, one of the strategies to have a better sleep is to “get in sync with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm.” For you to achieve that, you have to go to sleep and get up at the same time every day. You also have to observe your nap time. Dude, dozing off for one hour is not anymore a nap. Limit your naps for 15-20 minutes. Furthermore, you need to be away from your mobile phone, laptop, or any other gadget that will keep you awake longer.
- You have falling hair
Dear, it is not cancer. Sometimes, it is just stress. Yes, stress causes hair fall. In worse cases, some people experience total hair loss.
What to do: Mayoclinic.org suggests managing your stress. So you have to be aware first that you are stressed for you to find solutions. If the situation demands, see a doctor.
- Your body feels sore
Your neck, back, head, arms, hips, and legs are aching. You feel as if you just came from a Muay Thai training.
“When we are under extreme pressure, our bodies secrete a stress hormone called cortisol that can help us short-term … But if you’re stressed out constantly, these hormones aren’t as helpful and can become depleted over time,” explained Richard Colgan, MD, professor of family and community medicine at University of Maryland School of Medicine, in an article published on dailyburn.com.
What to do: Listen to your body. Make time for rest. If possible, take a leave from work and just rest your body and mind.
Stress is everyone’s enemy. And the battle against it is quite tough. But if we are determined enough to win by knowing that it is for our own well-being, we can do it./PN
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