I’m Stressed!
Stress can affect how we behave and react to things as well as our emotions and our physical body/health. Some indicators of stress are easy to recognize, but sometimes we may not realize how stressed we actually are. Here’s some emotional, physical, and action-based ways to identify stress.
Emotional Signs of Stress:
Feeling sad or depressed
Feeling irritable
Feeling numb, empty, or detached
Feeling anxious
Not being able to feel happiness or pleasure
Physical Signs of Stress:
Fast heart rate
Quick paced breathing
Getting sick often
Sweating
Increased muscle tension
Having a headache
Behavioral Signs of Stress:
Avoiding others
Having sleep issues
Overeating or under eating
Being restless or “on the o”
Feeling tired
Using poor coping skills
Being extra aware or focused
Most people are not aware that stress occurs on a spectrum. Large amounts of stress can be damaging to one’s mental health and psychological well-being. This is generally known as distress. Not enough stress can cause someone to feel bored or unfulfilled. The optimal amount of stress, or eustress, provides the perfect amount of stress for someone to get out of their comfort zone without leading to burnout.
There can be many different reasons why someone might feel stressed. Here are 8 of the most common causes of stress. If your stress is moving from eustress to distress or burnout, it may be helpful to seek advice from a trained professional.
