Do you feel stressed, overwhelmed and overstretched with everything around you ?. Are you feeling anxious, having sleeping problems or finding you forget things frequently. Then, this post may be the best article you come across today. This article will explain the reason you are feeling the way you are. It will reveal how best to recognise Stress and cope well with the tips I will share with you.

We live in a fast-paced society, and there is so much demand placed on us from different directions. Learning to identify your stressors should be your number one strategy before you can deal with it. Following this, you will be better positioned to know the signs and symptoms of stress after reading this article.

Obviously, there are many factors in our day to day lives that may contribute to this feeling of overwhelming that you can’t avoid, but this can be managed if you know how—for example, meeting deadlines, childcare issues, financial problems.

Although experiencing stress in little doses can be therapeutic. On the other hand, too much of it can be detrimental to one’s wellbeing.

Stress can impact how you think, feel, response, even how your body works. Therefore, knowing and understanding stress and its signs can help you tackle and maintain a well-balanced lifestyle.

In the next paragraph, you will learn more about the definition of stress, causes, signs and symptoms and how to manage it.

So, if you are still interested then keep reading!.

What is Stress?

Stress is the energy that motivates you to do something ( my definition). Stress is a way your body responds to a harmful situation. When your body perceives a threat, it gears up to prevent you from getting hurt by triggering a chemical reaction known as the stress response. When the stress response sets in, your heart rate would normally begin to rise. Depending on the issue, you will act to defend yourself either by flight or fight.

Stress has its own benefits if managed well. There is good and bad stress though stress affects everyone in different ways.

Sometimes stress helps you complete a task much quicker, yet other times it can be overwhelming, but if you find that you are feeling more overstretched. Then, you should reevaluate stressors to improve your mental wellbeing.

Stress can impact both your psychological and physiological health if not addressed.

In the next paragraph, you will learn the effects of excessive stress on your body.

Effects of Stress

Excessive stress can cause you to develop serious health problems if not monitored properly.

The serious health problems includes ;

• Cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart diseases, heart attack.
• Gastrointestinal issues like Irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, Ulcer.
• Mental health problems like anxiety and depression, psychosis.
• Obesity
• Skin Problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis
• Hair problems, such as hair loss.

Now you know some of the serious ill-health that can be caused by stress. Let’s go ahead and discuss the causes of stress in the next paragraph so you know what may be your own stressors and how best cope with it.

Causes of Stress

Though you may not control what comes your way, you can choose how you respond to it. The uncertainty of life is what makes it interesting and edge us to strive harder. On the other hand, if you have the ability to predict the future, I guess you will worry less. I don’t know about you, I’d like a balance.

The causes of stress may be linked to the following.

*Family related problems

– Relationship difficulties.

-Caring for relatives or friend.

-Going through divorce or break-up of relationships.

-Losing their home or having housing problems.

*Work-related issues

-A stressful work environment or a busy workload.

-losing their job.

-unemployment .

-starting a new job.

*Financial difficulties

-Debt

-Poverty

-Low income

*Personal issues

-People dealing with unresolved traumatic experiences like abuse, violence and neglect.

-Bereavement

-Serious illness

As you have read about the potential causes and can you identify your stressor? I will share the signs and symptoms of stress.

STRESS SYMPTOMS

1.Sleep Problems

This is definitely one of the red flags that shows you are stressed. When you feeling stressed, sometimes you may find it challenging to fall asleep. You may also find that you are waking up intermittently or feel less refreshed when you wake up from sleep. You may also find that you are unable to switch off your busy mind.

If you are experiencing any of these and wondering how you can restore or improve your sleep. Take look at my blog post-https://jayceepassionblog.com/looking-after-your-mental-health/ where I discussed in dept about sleeping problems and what you can do to improve your sleep.

2. Irritability

You do not want to be around someone irritable or grumpy. From time to time, you may experience irritability when feeling overhelmed. when stressed, you find your tolerance level reduces and you have tendencies to snap at anyone at any slightest frustration.

The best way to reduce irritability is to pinpoint the trigger. Be honest and acknowledge the source of your irritability. Accept you are feeling irritable. Find a quiet place to think things through. Take a walk or practise any of your favourite self-care tips to regain perspective.

3. Lack of concentration

Difficulty concentrating may be a sign you are super stressed. There is a tendency that when you are feeling stressed, you struggle to retain much information or concentrate or finish a task.

The best remedies for days you may be struggling with my concentration is MEDITATION. So, try and meditate for a few minutes. write down things to help with retaining information. 

4. Mood Swing

If you are under a significant amount of stress, you are likely to experience mood swings.

However, if you continue to experience frequent extreme mood after taking some time to look after yourself. Then, you may be experiencing a medical condition and will recommend you see your doctor. If you are not sure of the signs and symptoms of a mood disorder.

Take a look at my post on depression by clicking the link, where I discussed mood disorder in details.

Some of the rapid mood changes may also be related to your mental health, hormones changes, and substance use.

5. Muscle pain or tension

You may notice with excessive stress you will start to experience sore, aches, tight and painful muscle, especially around my shoulder and back area. However, this will gradually disappear when your stress level reduces.

A few of my muscle tension and pain remedies is Massage, Warm bath, gentle exercise and stretching so give this a try.

6.Fatigue

You may find that you generally feel tired and slowed down when you are under pressure for a long period of time. This sign shows you need to take a break and look after yourself.

7.Change in appetite

Change in appetite may be one of the red flags. You may find yourself eating excessively or with no appetite.

Several studies suggest stress can trigger hormones that can cause you to overeat. Try and manage your stress in a healthier way to keep you from stress eating.

On the other hand, loss of appetite may be when the stress hormones (cortisol)are alleviated. Appetite loss impacts the body negatively and a person’s ability to function at their optimum level. So, endeavour to eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of heavier meals.

Remember, there may be other causes of appetite changes such as hormonal changes, prescription medication and use of an illicit substance, and alcohol misuse.

8. Weight problems

As a result of stress, some people struggle with their weight. This can impacts everyone differently. Some cause weight loss or weight gain depending on individuals and situations. I have experienced both sides, and it is not great. However, if you are losing or gaining unexpected weight in a short period of time, then I would advise you see your doctor assess whether your weight loss is stress-related or due to another underlying condition.

9. Withdrawal from friends and activities

Social withdrawal is when people avoid others and activities they usually enjoy. When my friends and family express how busy I have become and unable to reach me or spend time with me, I realised there is a problem. So, be intentional in all you do, schedule short breaks with family, hang out with my friends and make time to participates in activities you enjoy.

So, I would recommend you create a scheduling system that would remind you to take mini-breaks from your busy workload if you are not surrounded by friends and family.

10. Frequent colds and infections

This I can testify to this. I have had two terrible cold this year. So, as you can see from my own experience, stress compromises your immune system and makes you prone to colds and infections. I have been taking the flu vaccine since last year.

If you are like me, I would advise you to get the flu vaccine. Apparently, it helps to protect and reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalisation for adults, working-age adults and children.

I guess you have familiarised yourself with sign and symptoms of stress. I will share how you can deal with stress in the next paragraph. So hang in there.

How To Deal With Stress

So,if you are experiencing the SIGNS OF STRESS listed above?. I have shared snippets of things you may do to help you with reducing your stress level.

Though it is inevitable to prevent stress, the next paragraph will prepare you on HOW TO REDUCE STRESS.

>Practice self-care routine.

https://jayceepassionblog.com/30-practical-self-care-for-busy-people-self-care/. This post is packed with tips and routine on self-care that will help alleviate feeling overwhelmed. Self-care practice is known to reduce stress and anxiety.

Also, maximises productivity and boost your immune system as well as improves your physical and mental wellbeing.

>Pay attention to your mental health.

https://jayceepassionblog.com/looking-after-your-mental-health/

>Stay connected with people.

In as much as it is good for you to do certain things yourself, it’s important to surround yourself with positive people for support.

So, for more information on stress management, check out this book.  It sheds more light on the reasons we feel the way we do and shares simple and practical interventions that can help you progress and transform your life. 

Finally, Remember the best way to reduce stress is to look after yourself and do the best you can. Nevertheless, stay true to yourself no matter what comes your way.

Disclaimer: The post’s content is my views and opinions solely and may not be associated with professional capacity. Speak to your doctor and care provider for advice and support.

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Jaycee

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• How To Make Employees Mental Health Better And Improve Productivity
• 10 Life Hacks To Get Out Of A Rut Quickly
• How To Cope Better with Homeschooling And Work From Home.
• Best Blogging Tools To Make Your Blog Successful (Beginner 2021)
• 25 +Unique Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Him & Her (2021)