Stress
How to identify the bad ones
So what?
Feeling frazzled, stretched thin, or just plain overwhelmed? You’re certainly not alone. Stress is an inevitable part of modern life, but here’s the thing: not all stress is bad. That jolt of energy that helps you hit a deadline or perform under pressure is “good stress” (eustress), and it can be a powerful motivator. The problem starts when that pressure never lets up. Chronic “bad stress” (distress) is a different beast entirely. It’s the kind that lingers, grinding you down day after day. So, how can you tell when everyday pressure has crossed the line and started to negatively affect your health? Recognising the red flags is the critical first step to getting back in balance. In this essential series, we’ll uncover the 8 common signs that stress is negatively affecting you, helping you spot the signals your body is sending before they become a bigger problem.
8 common signs
- Physical Aches and Pains: This often includes frequent headaches, muscle tension (especially in the neck, shoulders, and back), or jaw clenching.
- Digestive Issues: Stress can disrupt your digestive system, leading to symptoms like an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation.
- Sleep Disturbances: You may find you have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep (insomnia), or, conversely, you may be sleeping far more than usual.
- Irritability and Moodiness: A common emotional sign is feeling ‘on edge’, having a short fuse, or experiencing angry outbursts over minor issues.
- Feeling Overwhelmed or Anxious: This can manifest as a persistent feeling of anxiety, constant worrying, racing thoughts that you can’t switch off, or a general sense of being overwhelmed by your responsibilities.
- Difficulty Concentrating: You might find it hard to focus on tasks, make decisions, or remember things.
- Changes in Eating Habits: You may find yourself eating significantly more than usual (sometimes called ‘stress eating’) or, conversely, losing your appetite completely.
- Social Withdrawal: A common behavioural sign is avoiding friends, family, and social engagements that you used to enjoy, often because you feel you lack the energy or are too overwhelmed.
What now?
- Don’t wait until you’re completely burnt out. Come back next week and read on for the first common sign and learn what your body is really trying to tell you.