Most people know that stress is a part of life. It’s something we all have to deal with, and often it can be difficult to avoid. But if you’re not careful, stress can sneak up on you and cause your body to react in ways you may not even notice.
There are many signs that manifest themselves when one is feeling stressed, which you should take note of so you can tell when things aren’t going well and do something about it. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common signs that indicate someone is under a lot of stress.
Headaches:
We all know that stress can cause us to experience headaches, but what you might not realize is that it can also cause the opposite problem – the inability to feel pain, or “analgesia.” In a condition often referred to as “stress-induced analgesia,” your body actually stops sending pain signals to your brain when you’re stressed out. This is essentially the same thing as painless headaches, and it can be a sign that something more serious may be going on in your body.
Toothache:
Another frequently cited symptom of stress is toothaches or other signs of increased dental problems (i.e., “cavities”). This is because stress causes you to produce more cortisol, which can cause your gums to become inflamed. So if you notice that your gums are swollen, tender, or even bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth, this could be a sign that stress has gotten the better of you.
Teeth grinding or bruxism is a common sign of stress that can be indicative of other problems. Most people who grind their teeth do so unconsciously and at night, which can lead to a number of problems like jaw pain, tooth wear, and even headaches. If you think you may be grinding your teeth at night, it’s important to see a dentist find out if an underlying issue needs to be addressed. A trip to the dentist will also help you find solutions such as a botox procedure to treat bruxism.
Anger Issues:
An inability to control your temper is a sign not just of stress but of depression and anxiety as well. If you notice that you’re becoming increasingly irritable or short-fused, it’s a good idea to step back and try to determine what might be going on. Even if you can’t find an obvious cause for it right away, making an effort to relax can help you handle stress better and prevent negative emotions from taking over your life.
Constipation:
If you find yourself dealing with constipation or other gastrointestinal problems, it could be a sign that your body is just stressed out in general. This condition occurs when the colon doesn’t move waste through properly, typically due to a combination of dehydration, low fiber intake, and lack of physical activity.
If you’re experiencing constipation on a regular basis, it’s probably best not to wait until things get worse before taking action. Start by drinking more water every day and increasing the amount of fiber in your diet. You can also consider adding a little more exercise into your daily schedule since both of these things can help you feel better in general.
Weight Gain:
Although we all know that stress tends to cause our appetite to increase, many people don’t realize that it can also lead to weight gain, especially if your body is already under a lot of pressure. If you find yourself retaining water and feeling bloated, it’s a good idea to take a look at your stress levels. Keep in mind that you may need to work on this for a while before you notice any major shifts.
Memory Loss:
Forgetting things is something we’ve all experienced from time to time, and while it’s usually nothing to worry about, it can be a sign of anxiety or stress. If you find that you often forget where you put your keys, what the name of an actor is in a movie, or anything else that someone without memory issues would know, make sure to take some time to yourself and relax. Try meditating for a little while to see if it helps your memory improve.
Skin Problems:
Although it’s not always easy to tell when you’re under chronic stress, one of the most common indications is actually on your skin. Stress affects the body in so many ways, so conditions like acne or psoriasis are often brought on by increasing levels of cortisol in your system. If you know that your skin doesn’t always act the way it should, monitor your stress levels to see if they are playing a role.
Conclusion:
Stress management is one of the most important things we can do for our health. Not only does it help us to feel better mentally and emotionally, but it also has a positive impact on our physical well-being. Learning how to deal with stress in a healthy way is essential, especially in this day and age when we’re constantly faced with challenges and demands.
