In clinical practice I see a number of my patients walk through the door in overdrive. Some admit it and others, well let’s just say that I have a hard time convincing them that they’re burning the candle at both ends. Today on the blog I discuss 24 common signs you’re stressed and their likely causes. Even if you think you’re not stressed, tally up the signs below and have another think about it? 🙂

WHAT IS STRESS?

First things first, stress is not running around in a state of anxiety or overwhelm. Rather, stress takes on a number of different shapes and sizes and can include, but not limited to the following:

SECURITY THREATS:

• Uncertainty about finances
• Uncertainty about housing or accommodation
• Career uncertainty or instability
• Chronic pain
• Recent operations

NUTRITIONAL THREATS:

• • Nutrient deficiencies
  • Excess protein, carbohydrates or fats
  • Dehydration
  • Poor quality “foods”
  • Excess caffeine and/or alcohol

LOVE THREATS:

• • Relationship stressors, whether it be your friends, family, partner and/or even pets.

ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS:

• • Dirty air
  • Chlorinated water
  • Drugs
  • Industrial toxins
  • Cleaning chemicals
  • Endocrine disruptors found in self care products
  • Disrupted sleep/wake cycle

THOUGHTS:

• • Negative thoughts around your body
  • Thinking negative thoughts about your career and/or your relationships
  • Negative self-talk
  • Overwhelm

Now, if you tally the above up, there are 22 drivers of stress in the above blocks. How many would you say are incorporated into your life right now, at this very moment? It adds up doesn’t it? I’m not saying that stress isn’t a part of everyday life, it is! But rather, i’m alluding to the fact that chronic, long term stress is a HUGE PROBLEM.

16 SIGNS YOU’RE STRESSED (LONG TERM)

When the body is under chronic stress over the long term, it can manifest into the following physical symptoms:

• Poor digestion
• Poor salivation
• Abdominal Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea / Loose Bowels
• IBS
• Increased pain and inflammation
• Anxiety
• Increased respiration
• Elevated heart-rate
• Increased perspiration
• Poor sleep quality
• Night sweats
• Low libido
• Waking un-rested
• Increased muscle tension
• Tight neck, back and shoulders
• Nervousness
• Eye-twitch
• Jittery
• Poor immune function
• Low Energy
• Headaches
• Clenched Jaw & Grinding Teeth
• Excess coffee consumption
• Excess food cravings (particularly sugar and/or liquorice)

If you have any of the above, taking the foot off the pedal and letting go of the “no pain, no gain” philosophy is a great place to start. How do you do this? Hire a professional in the areas you’re falling down. Whether it’s finances, nutrition or mental health – stop feeling like you have to solve every problem on the planet, externalise it and outsource – you won’t believe the difference it makes.

Most of all, if you’re worried about “letting go” trust me, I understand. However, I know that trying to keep all the eggs in one overflowing basket only leads to broken eggs at your feet. Off-load onto a professional – that’s what they’re there for.

Learn more about how to manage these stressors in the following posts:

• My Top Tips To Help You Manage Stress In Your Life