Signs You Might Be Overstressed

Almost all of us are under stress of some kind, whether it’s from work, family life, financial situations, or countless other sources. But how do when we know when it all gets to be too much?

Sadly, we tend to overlook the very real, physical signs our bodies give us, to let us know that the stress is all too much. If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it might be time to take a look at how to reduce stress levels and get your total health on track.

Pain in our bodies is probably the most obvious sign something is wrong, yet it tends to get ignored until it’s almost too late. Aches and pains, stomach issues, muscle tension, and heart palpitations are among the most common. Also, when we’re under stress, our sleep may suffer. Sleep is crucial to a person’s well-being, and if we’re not getting enough sleep (or too much) the entire body suffers as a result.

Getting stress out of your life takes more than prayer alone. You must take action to make changes and stop doing whatever is causing the stress. You can learn to calm down in the way you handle things ~ Joyce Meyer

Another overlooked issue which might arise from stress is weight fluctuations. We may eat too much or too little when under duress, or eat the wrong kinds of foods. All of these physical effects are exacerbated by stress at the cellular level. Like ripples in a pond spreading outward, they impact every level of our bodies and processes.

Our mental health suffers badly when it comes to stress. We might start fixating on problems we can’t control, creating a kind of unbreakable negative thought process, which plays on loop throughout the day. Maybe we have trouble being still or paying attention, or experience uncharacteristic mood swings. Worst, we might find ourselves impatient and quick-tempered with others, even friends and loved ones. When we’re under stress, we’re simply not ourselves.

Stress can even cause symptoms we might not attribute to it, such as unexpected hair loss or a dip in libido. There’s not a part of our lives, physical, mental, or spiritual, which isn’t touched by stress. So, what can be done?

Mindfulness of what lies at the roots of stress can be helpful and enlightening. Many people who add meditation and journaling to their daily routine, particularly in the early morning or right before bedtime, find it a useful tool in minimizing negative thoughts.

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time ~ John Lubbock

Most of us also do not get enough time outdoors. Vitamin D, produced by natural sunlight, is a critical component of good health. Make time each day to get fresh air and enjoy a walk outside. Exercise and natural movement are always good alternatives to staying inside and watching or reading about negative stories.

If you are able to, consider adopting a pet or two. Cat and dog owners have built-in companions who are good listeners.

Stress doesn’t have to rule our lives. It may seem as if we’re sinking under an endless sea of worries, and there’s no escape. If you make sure to pay attention to the signs and symptoms, and deal with stress day by day, it will help ensure that you don’t sink, and that hope always remains in sight.