Most people think they know if they are stressed, they would feel it right? They would say, “no, I can’t, I’m too stressed”, or “Ugh, I’m so stressed, I need a break.” Well, no, not everyone. Some people motor along in life, taking things on, working hard, looking after family and they keep on going until they eventually burn out and make themselves ill, missing all the signs that their body has been trying to show them to slow down and take it easy. Does this sound like you? If you’ve got a lot on right now and you think you’re okay, maybe you need to have a little look in the mirror to check that you really are coping. 

Here are 5 signs and symptoms of stress, that if you are experiencing any, you really should give yourself a break.

Irritability

If you have found yourself being far more Irritable and angry lately, then this is a common trait in people who are stressed. A variety of things you can do to help keep anger levels under control, such as relaxation techniques, problem-solving, and communication, are all great methods for helping to curb anger.

Low Sex Drive

Stress can have a negative impact on some people’s sex drive and their desire to be intimate. By reducing stress, taking a few things off your plate, you might be able to help to restore your sex drive. Self-care, relaxation techniques, and exercise are other ways that could help to raise self-confidence.

Memory And Concentration Problems

If you find yourself having difficulty with concentration and memory and often experience brain fog, then stress may be a part of the problem. Various lifestyle changes may help improve memory and maintaining a healthy diet and keeping your body and mind active can keep you focused. Avoid activities like drinking and smoking can help keep your brain healthy.

Compulsive Behavior

It is not uncommon for there to be a link between stress and addictive behaviours. Healthy lifestyle habits can help to reduce compulsive behaviours, and for more serious compulsive behaviours, professional help may be necessary.

Mood swings

Stress can sometimes leave you feeling like you’re experiencing mood swings. However, there are many ways to improve your moods, such as enjoying nature, celebrating with friends and mindfulness techniques. If you feel like you have more serious mood swings that won’t go away, reach out to a mental health professional for help.

According to the American Institute of Stress, there are a variety of stress-reducing techniques, but finding ones that work for you is what is important. It could be physical activities, such as running, jogging, and aerobics, as these are great ways to relieve stress and tension physically. You might, however, find that relaxing physical activities such as yoga or tai chi work for you as they work your body while relaxing your mind too. You could try mindfulness techniques, such as meditation as these can strengthen your emotional responses to stress and ultimately, one of the best things to do is to reduce stress in different areas of your life.