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The Signs Of Stress
A stressful day at work is almost certain to bring on a headache.
But combined with other health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it could also be fatal.
The British Heart Foundation says there is growing evidence to show stress is linked to heart disease. It has produced an advice booklet for workers highlighting 23 warning signs of stress.
These include exhaustion, loss of appetite, palpitations and feeling irritable.
The booklet - which can be downloaded from the internet - explains the connection between stress and heart disease. The charity says that stress is still not considered one of the main risk factors of coronary heart disease but research shows there is a link between the two.
Proven risk factors
High cholesterol, low physical activity, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes are all proven to be high risk factors.
The foundation says any one of these combined with high amounts of stress can lead to heart disease. Professor Andrew Steptoe, from University College London, said: "Research is beginning to show that, for some people at least, stress may contribute to coronary heart disease.
"Because we cannot measure stress easily, this area of research is complex and it could be years before we can say for certain whether stress directly affects the heart."
The charity's booklet spells out the warning signs and offers advice on how to manage stress.
Dr Hilary Jones, GMTV's health and medical adviser, said: "This BHF booklet is filled with information about stress and how it can affect your heart health. The self-test section allows you to monitor yourself for stress and gives helpful advice about how to cope under stressful conditions."
Some of the symptoms of stress outlined in the booklet include feeling sweaty, sick in the stomach or irritable, losing your sense of humour, smoking and drinking more and needing to go to the lavatory more regularly.
Stress checklist
The foundation says those who are suffering from more than five of the 23 warning signs may have stress and need to seek advice on how to manage it.
It has been reported that stress is the second biggest cause of illness in the workplace. More than a fifth of employees claim to suffer from it at some time. As well as being bad for the heart, it can lead to other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis and migraine.
Exercise, counselling and medication are all prescribed by doctors to beat stress.
The booklet can be downloaded at www.Bhf.Org.Uk/stress or ordered by calling 01604 640 016.
THE SIGNS OF STRESS
The stress checklist includes the following 23 possible symptoms. If you tick more than five, you may be suffering from stress and should seek advice on how to manage it:
Feeling sweaty or shivery Pounding heart or palpitations Needing to go to the toilet a lot more than normal Feeling sick in the stomach ('having butterflies') Dry mouth Exhaustion Odd aches and pains Smoking and drinking more Working to exhaustion Headaches No time for hobbies any more Being irritable at everything Thinking "I can't cope with this any more" Loss of appetite for food, fun or sex Eating too much or too little Loss of sense of humour Loss of interest in personal appearance Loss of interest in people A feeling that everything is pointless Tearfulness Forgetfulness Feeling tired with no energy Difficulty in sleeping, disturbed sleep and waking up unusually early {"status":"error","code":"499","payload":"Asset id not found: readcomments comments with assetId=300527, assetTypeId=1"}10 Signs Of Emotional Exhaustion You Need To Know
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to overlook the signs of emotional exhaustion. Often dismissed as mere tiredness, emotional exhaustion can significantly impact your mental health and overall well-being if left unaddressed. Understanding the signs and symptoms is crucial for recognising when it's time to take a step back and prioritise self-care.
Signs of Emotional Exhaustion You Need to Know 1. Persistent FatigueOne of the hallmark signs of emotional exhaustion is persistent fatigue that doesn't seem to improve with rest. This exhaustion goes beyond physical tiredness; it penetrates into your emotional and mental state, leaving you feeling drained and depleted.
2. Increased IrritabilityDo you find yourself becoming easily irritable over minor inconveniences? Emotional exhaustion can heighten irritability levels, causing you to snap or lash out at others more frequently. This irritability stems from a depleted emotional reserve, making it difficult to cope with everyday stressors.
3. Lack of MotivationWhen emotionally exhausted, even tasks you once enjoyed may feel like burdens. You might experience a significant decline in motivation, finding it challenging to muster the energy to complete basic responsibilities or pursue your interests. This lack of motivation can further contribute to feelings of frustration and helplessness.
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4. Difficulty ConcentratingEmotional exhaustion can fog your mind and impair cognitive function. You may struggle to concentrate or focus on tasks, leading to decreased productivity and performance at work or school. This cognitive impairment can exacerbate stress and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle of mental fatigue.
5. Insomnia or Disturbed Sleep PatternsSleep disturbances are common among individuals experiencing emotional exhaustion. You may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night, leading to chronic insomnia. Alternatively, you might experience restless, unrefreshing sleep, leaving you feeling groggy and fatigued upon waking.
6. Physical SymptomsEmotional exhaustion often manifests in physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal problems. Chronic stress and emotional strain can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses and exacerbating existing health conditions.
Feeling emotionally drained can lead to social withdrawal and isolation. You may find yourself avoiding social gatherings or distancing yourself from friends and family members. This withdrawal is often a coping mechanism to conserve energy and protect yourself from further emotional strain.
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8. Emotional NumbnessEmotional exhaustion can dull your emotions, leaving you feeling numb or detached from your surroundings. You may struggle to express or connect with your feelings, leading to a sense of emotional emptiness or apathy. This emotional numbness can hinder your ability to form meaningful relationships and experience joy or fulfilment.
9. Heightened SensitivityParadoxically, while experiencing emotional exhaustion, you may also become hypersensitive to stimuli. Minor stressors or sensory inputs that wouldn't typically bother you may elicit strong emotional reactions or exacerbate feelings of overwhelm. This heightened sensitivity reflects your heightened state of emotional vulnerability.
10. Feelings of Hopelessness or DespairAs emotional exhaustion takes its toll, you may experience feelings of hopelessness or despair about the future. It may seem challenging to envision a way out of your current state, leading to a sense of resignation or defeat. These feelings can further perpetuate the cycle of emotional exhaustion if left unaddressed.
BottomlineRecognising the signs of emotional exhaustion is the first step toward prioritising your mental health and well-being. If you identify with any of these symptoms, it's essential to practise self-care and seek support from loved ones or mental health professionals. Remember that emotional exhaustion is not a sign of weakness but a signal that your body and mind need rest and rejuvenation. By acknowledging and addressing your emotional needs, you can gradually overcome exhaustion and cultivate a healthier, more resilient mindset.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
The Most Common Signs Of Stress — And How To Quickly Get Rid Of It
By Alyssa BradfordAlyssa is a trending desk writer for the Deseret News. She covers health and travel.
National Stress Awareness Month was made to highlight the negative effects of stress. Effective stress management can improve day-to-day life mentally and physically, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Recently, WalletHub released a report about the most stressed states within the United States. Louisiana, Mississippi and Nevada all came out on top due to violent crime rates, low job security, failing health and parenting problems.
Stress is part of life. Learning more about the common signs and how best to reduce symptoms will be valuable when you encounter stressful situations and periods.
What are the signs and symptoms of stress?Stress can have physical and emotional symptoms. Often, unhealthy behaviors may also be a sign of chronic or increased stress, per Cleveland Clinic.
Emotional symptoms, per WebMD:
Physical symptoms, per Mayo Clinic:
Unhealthy behaviors, per Cleveland Clinic:
According to The Washington Post, you can improve your emotional state and become more adept at preventing stress symptoms by accessing your body's natural capacity to soothe itself. Here are the Post's suggestions:
1. Relax your faceWhen stressed, different areas of our bodies can tighten, cause tension and make us feel stressed. Facial tension, specifically, is said to cause anxiety, headaches and overall negative emotions, per Healthline.
The Washington Post suggests trying to half-smile, which automatically releases some tension in your face. Studies have also reported that getting Botox injections will help ease areas of your body that are held tight and reduce negative emotions.
Massaging your face or other body parts can help relax muscles. Here are different stretches you could try, per Popsugar:
According to a study published in the journal Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology, receiving physical touch from yourself or others, through hugs, reduced cortisol levels.
Examples of things to touch for comfort:
During times of stress, the body's fight-or-flight response causes pupils to dilate, reducing both literal and figurative perspective. However, intentionally noticing distant viewpoints and surroundings can help alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed by challenges, per The Washington Post.
4. Breathe through your noseAccording to The Washington Post, stress increases blood pressure. Breathing through your nose, however, is associated with lowered blood pressure and improved heart rate variability.
Often, when I am doing yoga or meditation, the class is invited to breathe through their nose. Teachers have said it would help with focus and relaxation.
In general, meditation or yoga is said to have many emotional and physical benefits, per Mayo Clinic.
The Washington Post suggests creating stressful situations in advance, before an actual stressful situation, in a safe environment. In the safe environment, you might understand more about how you react to certain situations, how they make you feel, get used to them and ultimately build up courage to overcome them or relax.
Welcome panic in therapy is called interoceptive exposure. Proven benefits, according to Positive Psychology, include:
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