Though not healthy, for many, stress is pretty commonplace. Stress is the body’s way of responding to extreme frustrations, demands, or threats. This results in the nervous system releasing stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which readies the body for emergency action. Stress is the “fight or flight” response, and the body’s way of protecting you. When it occurs in a controlled fashion, it can have positive attributes — from motivating you to perform under pressure to conquering fear, and even alerting you of danger. However, unmanaged stress can be both dangerous and overwhelming. It can damage your health and quality of life.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 90 percent of all illness and disease is stress-related. So when you constantly find yourself in a state of tension and anxiety, it’s time to get a handle on the causes of your stress. Whether it be exercising, talking to someone, or cutting back, the best way to get a handle on your stress levels, is to first find ways to minimize it in the first place. Secondly, be aware of the red flags and the warning signs that you are stressed. Once you are able to recognize the signs that you are stressed, you need to listen to your body and make time to recover.
5 red flags and the warning signs that you are stressed
Migraines or Prolonged Headaches: The first signs that I may be stressed are usually migraines or prolonged headaches. Often times if you’re experiencing throbbing or pressure near the temple, it’s a stress (tension) headache.
Trouble Concentrating: If you find yourself overwhelmed with remembering the simplest of things, or your mind feels overloaded with the inability to focus, it may be time to take a break.
Trouble Sleeping (insomnia): Sleeping regularly allows the body (and mind) time to shut down, relax, and get rejuvenated. So, if after a long day you feel tired, yet have difficulty falling asleep, this may be a sign of stress-related fatigue, anxiety, or depression.
Anger: Do you find yourself angry all the time? Do you snap or lash out at others for no apparent reason? If so, this might be a warning sign that you are stressed.
Major Fatigue or Perpetual Sickness: When the body is dealing with exhaustion it has its own way of handling it. The body will try sending you warning signals like shutting down or by experiencing major fatigue or perpetual sickness – telling you it’s time to get a handle on your stress levels.
Tips to ease and deal with stress
Once you’ve identified the sources of your stress, here are a few steps you can take to help you manage and keep stress at bay.
- Eat healthy, ease up on the caffeine, exercise regularly, and practice relaxation techniques.
- Do your best to have a positive and realistic attitude. Understand that you’re only one person, and accept that you can’t control certain things. You can only control how you respond.
- Don’t keep your feelings bottled up. Instead of getting angry and defensive, share your feelings in a polite manner.
- Manage your time wisely and make time to do what you love. Say NO to things and people that add stress to your life.
What are usually the first signs that you are stressed? And how do you minimize or get a handle on the stress in your life?
