The signs of stress are wide and varied. Here's the thing: most of us know it when we feel it…we just too often ignore it. But sometimes signs are a little more subtle: you might find yourself tossing and turning at night unable to sleep. You might develop aches and pains for no reason. You might be eating more…or less. You might find you can't turn off the "mind chatter." You might be moodier or more irritable around family and friends. You might find yourself using drugs and alcohol to "take the edge off." You might be more forgetful and unable to focus on simple tasks.
Any of this sound familiar? Everything we described above *can* be signs of stress. (Disclaimer: the above isn't an exhaustive list, and you shouldn't construe this or any article you read as medical advice. That's what your doctor is for!)
Any number of things can cause stress: marriage, divorce, losing a job, starting a new job, moving to a new place, experiencing some sort of violence…the list is seemingly endless.
As we mentioned above, most of us know when we're feeling stressed. And, yes, life is sometimes stressful. But that doesn't mean you should ignore your stress, especially if it's chronic.
As the Federal Occupational Health website notes, "stress can lead to a wide range of illnesses – from headaches to stomach disorders to depression – and can even increase the risk of serious conditions like stroke and heart disease."
The National Institutes of Health says on its Medline Plus website, "When you have chronic stress, your body stays alert, even though there is no danger." In addition to heart disease and stroke, the site says other health risks associated with chronic stress include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and skin problems.
The first step is acknowledging that you are stressed. From there, you can choose a variety of ways to combat and manage stress.
What do you think? What are some of your own tried-and-true tips for managing stress? Share in the comments.