How to identify when you are feeling stressed?
How to Identify When You Are Feeling Stressed?
The first step in dealing with stress is determining when it is triggered. Stress affects our emotions, behavior, and bodies in many ways. Sometimes when we are stressed, we can tell right away, perhaps a feeling of a pit in our stomach. At other times, we might keep going without recognizing the signs that stress is building up.
Part of learning to better cope with the stress in our lives is learning to recognize when we are feeling stressed. If you are anything like me, physical symptoms come first. That twitch in my eye; I wish I were just winking at you. But, alas, it means I let my stress go too far. The dreaded eye twitch can last for weeks, even though the stressful event may have already transpired. It is my body's way of holding on to and exhibiting my stress.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of indications your stress level may be on the rise:
Psychological Signs:
Memory lapses, decision paralysis, distractable, loss of creativity, racing thoughts, overwhelmed, unmotivated, unfocused, negative thinking, sense of dread, increase in existing mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Emotional Signs:
Tearful, irritable, extra sensitive, defensive, angry, frustrated, lower self-esteem or confidence, feel out of control, impatient, neglected, loneliness.
Physical Signs:
Teeth grinding, muscle tension, frequent colds, rashes, bowel issues, change in weight, indigestion, heart palpitations, shaking, nausea, loss of libido, change in the menstrual cycle, high blood pressure, difficulty breathing, sleep problems, sweating.
Behavioral Signs:
Can't relax, no joy in activities you once did, prone to accidents, increased reliance on caffeine, cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, poor time management, absenteeism, self-neglect, social withdrawal, relationship issues, aggressive, nervous, uncharacteristic lying, poor memory, change in spending habits.
What's next? Make a list of the signs and symptoms of stress that affect you.
Making this list will allow you to realize more adeptly when stress is creeping up on you, and it will help you to identify that now is the time to employ stress reduction techniques and coping mechanisms. Acting faster prevents stress from having increasingly drastic effects on your well-being.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to set up a consultation.
All my best,
xx Kelly