10 Signs You’re Overstressed And Don’t Even Know It

There's a time when we’re aware of being overstressed and know that we have to take time off from work to recharge. Although, sometimes we feel obligated to push through and think it’s better to keep at it due to having no time to rest.

It’s become this, “cool” things to say "you’re busy” or that if you don’t say you’re “busy” you’re all of a sudden "lazy". I‘m not sure where this misconception started, but I call BS.

Many people continue to operate at a low level of burnout and thus suffer from an overstressed mind, body and spirit with your cortisol (a stress hormone) levels raising every day; leading too many forms of diseases and mental health issues. It takes a toll on our immune system, and sometimes if this goes on for a very long time, it can be fatal.

So, here are ten warning signs you should look out for which indicates that you’re overstressed and need to practise more self-care into your daily life.

1. Your Sex Drive Has Declined

Many people forget that there’s a huge correlation with stress and sex drive, though it makes sense as exhaustion leads to hormonal changes, reduction in stamina and overall interest in intimacy.

If this happens or you notice this with your partner, communicate with them and generate solutions and maintain empathy without judgement.

2. You Obsess Over Your Problems

If you feel as though you can’t shift your mind away from relationship issues, financial worries or work concerns, it’s a sign that you’re stressed and need to take control.

Until you detach from your thoughts and think more objectively you won’t be able to find solutions.

3. You Can't Sleep

Whether you’re finding it hard to fall asleep, or you’re sleeping too much, both are common indications that you’re stressed. You can improve your sleep though meditation, exercising and eating healthy. Practise mindfulness and look over your daily routines to see if you’re lacking self-care.

4. Your Patience Is Wearing Thin

If your tolerance has reduced especially around those we truly love, it’s one of the first signs of stress. Sadly, we express our anger and frustration on those closest to us first; to make sure our feelings are received in some way. Even if the problem has nothing to do with them.

5. Your Memory Is Poor

When we’re stressed and anxious our short-term memory starts to protest. Have you ever walked into a room and then forgot what it was that you were going to do? If this happens to you frequently, it’s a way for your body and mind to tell you something's up and you need to take a step back, evaluate and relax.

6. You Can’t Be Quiet And Still

If going for a slow walk, sitting quietly or watching TV - without looking at your phone - or doing meditation is something you’re struggling with, or even activities you’re delaying and instead choose to stay occupied with work, it’s a sign you’re stressed. You’re avoiding time to relax in order to circumvent worries and concerns.

7. Your Weight Fluctuates

When something is out of rhythm in our lives, we’re stressed, anxious, depressed and haven’t felt happy in a while, it’s very easy to have an irregular eating pattern; either eating too much or eat too little. When your appetite changes it’s an indication that there’s some kind of emotional change - you need to analyse what’s causing this.

8. Frequent Mood Swings

Stress hormones cause dramatic changes and swings within us, making us easily go from happiness to rage or misery to joy. These rollercoaster mood swings are exhausting and I know from experience that we can even get angry and fed up with ourselves for feeling this way when it’s been going on for a long period of time.

If there are no traumas or obvious explanations for the mood swings you're experiencing, it’s important that you try to ask yourself what’s causing you to feel stressed. Additionally, talk to someone about how you’re feeling so you don’t go unheard and bottle up inside.

9. You're Losing Hair

There are many reasons you could be losing hair, though extreme stress under a long period of time can cause hairs to go into “resting period” all at once and thus lose up to three for four times the amount than you normally would.

10. You’re In Pain

Sometimes, we realise things when they’ve already gone too far, and in this case, it’s when we start to feel any kind of physical pain in our body. When your body starts to hurt it’s important that we pay attention and listen. You may experience anything from chronic muscles aches to heart palpitations, stomach cramps or digestive upsets.

Takeaway

If any of these signs seem to be relating to you, try to set aside an extra hour once a day a week where you focus on only you and do something that makes you happy. If you feel stressed about taking this hour for yourself, schedule it into your calendar so you allow yourself to do it without feeling guilty.

Take care.

/Jessica xoxo