Recognizing your stress is the first step towards managing it. Pay attention to changes in your physical, emotional, and behavioral patterns. Common signs of stress include:
- Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope: This can manifest as feeling like you're constantly on the go, having trouble managing your workload, or feeling like you're drowning in responsibilities.
- Feeling 'on edge' or unable to stop worrying: You might experience constant anxiety, find it difficult to relax, or have intrusive thoughts that disrupt your daily life.
- Changes in sleep patterns, feeling exhausted: You might find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, wake up feeling tired, or experience a significant decrease in your energy levels.
- Changes in appetite: You might notice you're eating more or less than usual, crave unhealthy foods, or experience changes in your digestion.
- Physical reactions such as headaches, muscle tension, upset stomach: Stress can manifest as physical symptoms like headaches, tight muscles, stomach aches, or even skin problems.
- Difficulty concentrating: You might find it hard to focus on tasks, make decisions, or remember things.
- Changes in mood, irritability, or anger: You might experience more frequent mood swings, find yourself easily frustrated, or feel overly sensitive to criticism.
Once you start recognizing these signs, you can begin to pinpoint the specific stressors in your life.
