How do you know when you are stressed out or overstressed?

You might be if you’re experiencing any of the following signs:

• You can’t remember the last time you had a good night’s sleep
• You’re always tired
• You have no energy
• You’re impatient and irritable
• You have no appetite or you’re overeating
• You’re easily overwhelmed
• You’re having trouble concentrating
• Your muscles are always tense

Warning Signs You are Overstressed

Aside from the signs above, other common signs below indicate that you are overstressed and it is getting the best of you.

Your Sleep Patterns are Off

If you can’t sleep or your sleep patterns are off, it may indicate that you’re overstressed. 

Stress can cause insomnia and disrupt your natural sleep patterns. 

Likewise, if you’re not getting enough rest, it can lead to further stress and anxiety.

Your Appetite or Eating Habits Have Changed

If you’re eating more or less than usual, it could be another sign that you’re overstressed. 

Stress can lead to overeating or loss of appetite. 

It can also cause changes in your eating habits, such as skipping meals or binge eating. 

These changes can also lead to weight gain or weight loss.

You’re Snapping at People

If you snap at people more often, it may signify that you must take a step back and de-stress. 

Stress can make you irritable and impatient. 

If you’re easily annoyed or angered, it may be time to take a break and relax.

You Feel Anxious or Depressed

Anxiety and depression are common signs of stress. 

It may be due to stress if you feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or sad. 

Stress can also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and muscle tension. 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a doctor or mental health professional.

You Feel Depressed

You may be overstressed if you feel down, sad, or down in the dumps more often than usual. 

Depression is a major sign that stress has taken over your life. 

Other signs of depression include feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless. 

You may also sleep too much or too little, have trouble concentrating, and lose interest in things you used to enjoy. 

If you think you may be depressed, talk to your doctor or mental health professional.

You Feel Anxious or Irritable

If you’re easily irritable or anxious, it may be another sign that you’re overstressed. 

When you’re constantly on edge, your body is in a state of high alert. 

This can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and sleeping problems. 

If you’re struggling to control your anxiety or irritability, it may be time to take a step back and reassess your stress levels.

You Get Frequent Headaches

You may be surprised to learn that stress can be a major factor in headaches and migraines. 

Stress headaches are one of the most common types of headaches. 

Stress headaches usually feel like a tight band around your head. 

They can be mild or severe and may last for a short time or come and go over days or weeks. 

If you have frequent headaches, it may be a sign that you are overstressed.

You Have Digestive Issues

There are a lot of things that can cause digestive issues, from food sensitivities to medical conditions. 

But if you regularly have digestive problems after taking on a new project at work or studying for a big exam, it could be a sign that you’re overstressed.

Your body is in constant fight-or-flight mode when you’re stressed, which can lead to various problems, including digestive issues. 

For example, when you’re stressed, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. 

This hormone can cause inflammation in your gut, leading to stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

If you regularly have digestive issues, you must talk to your doctor. 

They can help rule out any underlying medical conditions and help you find ways to manage your stress.

You Have High Blood Pressure and Palpitations

If you have high blood pressure, it means your heart is working too hard to pump blood throughout your body. 

This can cause palpitations or a pounding feeling in your chest. 

You may also feel dizzy, have trouble breathing, or experience chest pain. 

See your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.

You Have More Acne

Stress can show up on your skin in many ways, but one of the most common is in the form of acne. 

If you find that you are suddenly breaking out in places you never have or that your acne is more severe and inflamed than usual, it may be a sign that you are overstressed.

Other skin-related stress symptoms include cold sores, hives, psoriasis flare-ups, and eczema. 

If you notice any of these issues cropping up, pay attention to how you feel mentally and emotionally. 

If you are under a lot of stress, these problems will likely worsen.

You Get Sick More Often

If you find yourself constantly sick, it may be a sign that you are overstressed. 

When stressed, your immune system is not as strong, making you more likely to get sick. 

If you are always sick or often sick, it may be a sign that you need to reduce your stress levels.

You Feel Achy

One very clear sign that you are overstressed is if you start to feel an achy feeling throughout your body. 

This is the first sign of stress because it is your body’s way of telling you it is not happy. 

If you do not take steps to reduce your stress, this feeling will only worsen and can lead to body aches and even malaise.

Conclusion

As soon as you notice one or a combination of the signs above, it would be best to step back and reassess your current state and situation. 

Stress can do so much harm to the body so it’s not something you should take lightly. 

Don’t hesitate to take a break or see a professional. 

Ensuring you don’t get too stressed should be an integral part of your overall self-care routine.