Stress is like that invisible friend we all have: sometimes it’s so present that we don’t even notice. 🤪 So how can you tell if you’re really stressed? Well, many signs are pretty obvious, but sometimes our body gets a little creative in showing us that we need to slow down and relax.
One of the most common signs of stress is feeling constantly overwhelmed. If everything seems like a problem or a burden, chances are stress is messing with your nerves. You might find yourself repeating the phrase “I’m so stressed!” every time someone asks how you’re doing.
Another sign that stress has taken over is when your patience becomes short. Small inconveniences, like a traffic delay or a silly question, can trigger an emotional storm. Patience goes out the window, and irritability takes control.
Lack of quality sleep/rest can also be a big indicator of stress. If you find it hard to sleep or, when you finally do, you wake up feeling like you didn’t rest at all, stress is at work. Your body and mind don’t get a break when stress is present.
Lastly, if your body starts sending you strange signals like frequent headaches or muscle tension for no apparent reason, you know something’s not right. Stress doesn’t just affect your mind; it also manifests physically.
HOWEVER…in a ground-breaking 2013 TED Talk, health psychologist Kelly McGonigal urges us to reframe stress. She challenges the idea that stress is always harmful and shares research that shows the way we view stress can change its impact on our health. People who see stress as helpful tend to be healthier and more resilient. McGonigal encourages people to reframe stress as a natural, even beneficial response, and highlights the importance of human connection in coping with it.
So if you recognize yourself in any of the signs of stress, don’t worry. Instead, try to appreciate that your body is simply preparing you to tackle life’s challenges head-on. Do your best to reframe the situation as a challenge you can overcome. Reach out to friends and family for support, try to take some time to relax, and maybe (just maybe!) it’s time to schedule a massage. 🤗