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Symptoms of chronic stress
When stress persists over time, it leads to physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion that impacts our self-esteem and health. A person experiencing chronic stress is often not even aware of what is happening to them because they have become accustomed to the situation, even though they have not overcome it. That is why it is important to pay attention to both worrying physical and mental symptoms in time.
Let’s recall the most characteristic ones:
- Anxiety and irritability – these are common symptoms of chronic stress. We constantly feel uneasy and everything irritates us. For these types of symptoms, it is worth using relaxation techniques daily, which can be learned through practices like Mindfulness meditation.
- Headaches – a state of stress can be directly linked to migraines. It can also manifest as bruxism, i.e., involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth during sleep, which further exacerbates headaches.
- Frequent infections – living in constant stress lowers the body's immune functions, which can cause more frequent colds or gastrointestinal problems. A healthy diet and regular sleep support immunity – it is worth remembering this!
- Sleep problems – one of the most characteristic symptoms of chronic stress is sleep disturbance. Although being overwhelmed by problems often makes it difficult to fall asleep and get enough rest, it is still worth trying to maintain a circadian rhythm (going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time).
- Eating disorders – stress can cause excessive overeating or make us lose our appetite entirely. Therefore, when living under tension, try to eat regularly and avoid snacks that overstimulate digestive functions and worsen feelings of anxiety.
- A constant feeling of not having enough time – this is a very characteristic impression for people struggling with stress. To manage the feeling that the number of daily tasks is overwhelming, it can be helpful to set realistic goals that can be achieved without high energy expenditure.
Ways to combat chronic stress
The best way to overcome stress is to eliminate the root cause – but, as we know, this is not always possible. So, if you feel that this problem applies to you, try to find active ways to cope with its troublesome symptoms. In some cases, a lifestyle change will be helpful – taking care of a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, spending free time with family and friends, finding a moment for relaxation, regular rest, or avoiding stimulants.
However, if chronic stress is accompanied by emotional exhaustion and symptoms of depression, be sure to start with a consultation with a psychologist who will help you determine the next steps. Sometimes, professional therapy may be the only key to coping with the negative effects of living in constant tension.
So, keep your finger on the pulse and take care of yourself every day!
