Is your body under stress? Watch out for warning signs like muscle tension, headaches, acne breakouts

Signs of stress: Chronic fatigue or feeling exhausted, even after a full night's sleep, can be a sign of stress

Stress has become an inevitable part of our busy lives these days. Whether it's due to work pressures, personal responsibilities, or other factors, stress can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. Recognising the signs of stress is the first step toward managing it effectively. And believe it or not, it’s easier than it seems.

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Why it is important to listen to your body

The most crucial step in checking if your body is under stress is to listen to your body. Trust your intuition and be mindful of how you feel physically and emotionally. If you suspect that stress is taking a toll on your health, it's essential to seek support from a healthcare professional or a therapist who can provide guidance and strategies for stress management.

Stress often manifests in physical, mental, and behavioural symptoms that can't be ignored — you just need to pay attention to the signals your body might be sending you! Let’s explore various ways to check if your body is under stress:

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1. Pay attention to your physical symptoms

Muscle tension: Persistent muscle tension, especially in your neck, shoulders, and back, can be a sign of stress. You may notice that you're frequently clenching your jaw or making a fist without realising it.

Signs of stress: Frequent headaches or migraines can be triggered by stress (Image: Canva)

Headaches: Frequent headaches or migraines can be triggered by stress. Pay attention to when they occur and if they coincide with stressful situations.

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Digestive issues: Stress can upset your digestive system, leading to symptoms like indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea. These gastrointestinal problems can be indicative of stress-related issues.

Fatigue: Chronic fatigue or feeling exhausted, even after a full night's sleep, can be a sign of stress. Stress often disrupts sleep patterns and leaves you feeling drained.

Also read: Do you clench, grind your teeth in sleep? Here are the causes, symptoms and cure for bruxism

2. Monitor your emotional well-being

Mood swings: Frequent mood swings, irritability, or unexplained bouts of sadness can be red flags for stress.

Anxiety and worry: Constant worry, racing thoughts, and a feeling of impending doom are common symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Lack of concentration: If you find it challenging to focus on tasks or make decisions, stress might be the culprit. Stress can affect your cognitive abilities and impair your concentration.

Signs of stress: Stress-induced hormonal changes can lead to acne breakouts or exacerbate existing skin conditions (Image: Canva)

3. Behavioural changes

Changes in eating habits: Stress can lead to overeating or loss of appetite. Keep an eye on any significant changes in your eating patterns.

Increased alcohol or substance use: Some people turn to alcohol or substances to cope with stress. If you find yourself relying on these more frequently, it may be a sign of stress.

Social withdrawal: If you're withdrawing from social activities, avoiding friends and family, or isolating yourself, stress could be a contributing factor.

4. Assess your sleep patterns

Trouble falling asleep: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep can be indicative of stress-related insomnia.

Vivid dreams: Stress can lead to vivid, unsettling dreams that disrupt your sleep.

Wake up feeling restless: Even if you've slept for several hours, stress can leave you waking up feeling tired and unrefreshed.

5. Keep an eye on your skin and hair

Acne breakouts: Stress-induced hormonal changes can lead to acne breakouts or exacerbate existing skin conditions.

Hair loss: Sudden hair loss or thinning could be a result of stress. Stress can trigger hair loss conditions like alopecia areata.