Everyone experiences stress—it’s unavoidable. Some stress can even be a good thing, motivating you to do your best and work through challenging situations.
However, too much stress, or experiencing it every day, can lead to lasting mental and physical health issues.
It’s not uncommon for people to ignore small signs of stress, or even become “immune” to them due to our hectic and fast-paced society. However, those small signs can be your first red flags. If you start to notice them early on, you’ll be able to de-stress and get to the root issue(s) of what’s causing problems.
Not sure what to look out for? Let’s cover a few of the most common small signs that could mean you’re more stressed than you think.
You Have a Short Fuse
You might not consider yourself an angry person, but if you’ve had your fair share of irritable moments lately, it could be the result of too much stress.
Stress tends to keep us on edge because it’s so closely related to fear. It trigger’s your mind’s fight-or-flight response, even when there isn’t a real threat.
As a result, you can be more irritable or even jumpy. Things that wouldn’t have bothered you before might now set you off, and you might even end up snapping at people you care about.
Your Sleeping and Eating Habits Change
Getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy diet are some of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health.
Unfortunately, stress tends to throw a wrench in both activities.
Most people tend to eat a lot more when they’re stressed. Food provides a sort of comfort, and it’s often used as a coping mechanism to deal with whatever is really going on. However, about ⅓ of people eat significantly less when they’re stressed. You know your regular eating habits and what’s normal for you. If you’re doing the opposite, chances are there’s something bigger going on.
When it comes to sleep, most people tend to have a hard time getting the rest they need while under a lot of stress. Your thoughts can wander and keep you up at night.
Unfortunately, that often creates a vicious cycle—the more stressed you are, the less sleep you’ll get. The less sleep you get, the more stressed you’ll become.
Fatigue
Obviously, not getting enough sleep can lead to fatigue or even exhaustion. However, it’s not just the lack of sleep contributing to those things. When stress triggers your brain’s fight-or-flight response, it can stay active almost constantly, depending on what you’re dealing with.
Though you might not realize it, that’s a lot to put your mind and body through, and it can end up being exhausting.
That can lead to plenty of other issues that are also sneaky signs of stress, including difficulty concentrating, trouble remembering things, or even feeling like it’s difficult to do basic, simple tasks.
Loss of Enjoyment
Stress can be so overwhelming that it essentially sucks the joy from your life. You might find yourself with a lack of interest in things you typically love to do. That can cause you to withdraw from friends and family.
Unfortunately, not staying active with things you enjoy and spending more time alone can fuel your stress levels even more.
Do any of these small-but-sneaky signs sound familiar? If so, you might be more stressed than you think. If so, it’s not too late to get to the root cause of your stress.
It’s also never too late to learn healthy, effective management techniques that can make it easier to deal with stress on a daily basis. If you’re struggling with stress, don’t hesitate to contact a Crossroads’ therapist for more information or to set up an appointment.
Start Working With a Therapist in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Online in Arizona
Our team of caring therapists understand that the decision to reach out for help can be challenging. This is why we are happy to offer a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation. Our locations for stress relief are located throughout the valley with counseling centers located in Phoenix, Anthem, Online in AZ, and Scottsdale. You can start your therapy journey with Crossroads Counseling by following these simple steps:
- Contact Crossroads Counseling for a complimentary 20-minute phone consult
- Meet with a caring therapist
- Start learning how to reduce stress
Feel free to learn more about our practice by visiting our about page, FAQ, and blog, or read more about our staff members to start finding your best therapeutic fit! or, call us at 623-680-3486, text 623-688-5115, or email info@crossroadsfcc.com for more information!
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