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Subtle Signs and Symptoms of Daily Stress

Writer's picture: Mindspark HealthMindspark Health

Updated: May 7, 2022

It is easy to know when you are dealing with extreme stress, such as a serious illness or the loss of a job. But there are so many other sources of stress that you might not realize are affecting your body and your mental health. Here are some subtle signs that you are dealing with stress in your daily life.


You Are Constantly Tired and Fatigued


Do you feel like you are always tired, no matter how much sleep you get or caffeine you consume? If fatigue is becoming a problem, it might actually be from your emotional stress. What happens is when you have a lot of stress in your life, even very small sources of stress it can cause your cortisol levels to be out of balance. This, in turn, affects your ability to get a good nights’ sleep, and also reduces your energy levels during the day. So, if you find that you struggle both with insomnia and fatigue, or just being tired no matter how much you sleep, it could be a sign of stress.



Your Mood is Unpredictable


Another sign of stress that people often think is from other sources is when you are moody, agitated, or irritable. Your brain is handling a lot when you have multiple reasons to be stressed out every day, and you are probably focusing on your stressors more than anything else. This causes a lot of overwhelm, panic, anxiety, and many more emotions that can lead to moodiness and agitation.


Your Anxiety is Getting Worse


You may also notice that on days when you have more to stress about, your anxiety is also worse. There is a big connection between stress and mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. People with chronic stress find that their anxiety is worse, and those with anxiety find that stress affects them more severely. It is a difficult cycle to be caught up in. If you have an anxiety disorder, it is even more important for you to recognize the signs of stress and try to keep it under control as best you can.


You Feel Confused and Lack Focus


Lastly, you might have brain fog from the stress, which can cause a lot of confusion, lack of focus, and poor concentration. If you notice that you are getting behind in work, you can’t really focus on a task for very long, or your concentration is suffering, it may be from your stress. The mechanism here is debated in the scientific community, but, it seems to much norepinephrine and/or to little cerebral blood flow from sympathetic stimulation may contribute.


Management


There's plenty of things one can do to ameliorate stress. Lifestyle changes may include getting more sleep, exercise, going out into nature, having a worry journal, meditating or doing some form of breath work, connection, volunteer work, hobbies such as coloring, gardening or playing music and eating a whole foods, anti-inflammatory diet. I prefer a paleolithic; no grain, low lectin and primarily animal protein and vegetable diet here. Therapy may help with coping techniques and sorting out how thought patterns may contribute to unnecessary stress and emotions, too.


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