5 Signs of Stress You Might Not Realize Are Harmful

Stress is a part of our daily lives, there is no avoiding it. But when do you start to worry? Learn these signs of stress to live a healthier life.

Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, and it can help us stay focused and motivated. However, prolonged or chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. While some signs of stress are easy to identify, such as headaches or fatigue, there are others that are not as obvious.

5 Signs of Stress You Might Not Realize Are Harmful

I’m stressed, you’re stressed, and we’re all a little bit stressed these days! And while a little bit of stress can help motivate us to reach our goals or get things done, there are definitely signs of stress that we need to watch out for that can be harmful to our overall health. 

1. Difficulty Sleeping

One of the most common signs of stress is difficulty sleeping. When we are stressed, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that increases alertness and can disrupt our natural sleep-wake cycle. Lack of sleep can have negative effects on our physical health, such as weakening our immune system and increasing our risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It can also impact our mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and irritability.

2. Digestive Issues

Stress can also have an impact on our digestive system. When we are stressed, our bodies release cortisol, which can lead to inflammation in the gut and disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria. This can cause digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Chronic stress can also increase the risk of developing digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

3. Skin Problems

Stress can also manifest itself in our skin. When we are stressed, our bodies produce more sebum, an oily substance that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. Stress can also exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, leading to itchy and inflamed skin.

4. Muscle Tension

Stress can cause our muscles to tense up, leading to pain and discomfort. Chronic muscle tension can cause headaches, back pain, and neck pain. It can also contribute to the development of conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and fibromyalgia.

5. Forgetfulness

Stress can also impact our cognitive abilities, leading to forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. Chronic stress can even lead to structural changes in the brain, such as a decrease in the size of the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. This can lead to long-term memory problems and difficulty learning new things.

Looking for more on healthy living? Try these:

• WHY MILLENNIAL MOMS ARE STRESSED THE EFF OUT
• HOW TO HANDLE WORK STRESS
• 4 WAYS TO REFRESH IN THE NEW YEAR
• WHY MOMS NEED TO MAKE THEIR HEALTH A PRIORITY
• WHEN LIFE THROWS YOU CURVEBALLS: STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING CHANGE

Stress can have a range of negative effects on our physical and mental health. While some signs of stress, such as headaches and fatigue, are easy to identify, there are others that are not as obvious. It’s important to recognize the signs of stress and take steps to manage it, such as practicing relaxation techniques, getting regular exercise, and seeking support from friends and family or a mental health professional.

XOXO,

Allison