Stress Breakdown: Are You Dealing With Stress Without Knowing?

Stress is something that is familiar to each and every one of us. When everything feels like it’s getting on top of you, you can practically feel the stress building through your body. You may also notice that your shoulders are hunching and that a headache is starting to kick in. Nevertheless, a lot of the time, we might be dealing with stress without actually realizing it, which is arguably one of the most unfortunate things that could happen.

Here are seven warning signals that are not uncommon but nevertheless unexpected to look out for. Remember that it’s essential to visit a healthcare specialist if you are concerned about your symptoms because they may also be indicators of other problems!

Procrastinating

The act of putting things off till later is not the same as being unproductive or lazy. Absolutely not! It is a pattern of behavior that is very frequently brought on by stressful situations in our life. When coping with procrastination, the most effective strategy is to do the most challenging activity first. Avoiding one’s obligations can only result in an increased sensation of being unable to go forward.

Acid reflux

An increase in the quantity of acid that is produced in your stomach as a result of stress can be quite unpleasant. Acid reflux may become more noticeable in people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease when they are under emotional or physical strain.

Bleeding gums

If your immune system is inhibited, it may be more challenging for your body to defend you against hazardous oral bacteria, which can lead to bleeding gums. Bleeding gums are a common symptom of periodontitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. If you have been pondering this for a considerable amount of time, you may already be aware of the solution; nonetheless, it is strongly recommended that you address this matter with an expert.

A sore morning jaw

Did you know that when we are under pressure, our brain tells our muscles to stiffen up so that we can better protect ourselves from the sensations of injury and pain that we are expecting? The following is an explanation given by Pablo Vandenabeele, who is the clinical director for mental health at Bupa UK:

If you’re waking up with a clenched jaw or feeling more sensitive than usual, it could be a sign you’re more stressed than you realize.

Trouble sleeping

Insomnia is highly characterized by an inability to fall asleep or to maintain sleep for extended periods of time, both of which are necessary in order to wake up feeling refreshed. If our normal pattern of sleep has shifted as a result of a busy time in our lives, then this symptom may very well be an indication that we are under a lot of stress.

Irregular periods

If you notice a shift in your menstrual cycle, it may be an indication that you are under a lot of stress. What exactly is the culprit? It would appear that cortisol can interfere with the hypothalamus’s capacity to function properly and release reproductive hormones in a consistent manner.

Strange weight gain

It’s possible that stress is to blame for your weight gain, even while you’re making healthy food and exercise choices. The hormone cortisol causes an increase in the amount of sugar that is found in your system. This can have an effect on your rate of metabolism, which in turn can cause you to gain weight.

How to Chill Out?

Spending time in natural settings, such as in parks, gardens, or by the water, can totally help lower levels of the stress hormone known as cortisol, as well as increase the synthesis of the feel-good chemicals endorphin and dopamine. When did you last go on an outdoor trip, such as a picnic?

Always look for an opportunity to discuss the things that are preoccupying your thoughts with another person. In addition, playing some music while visualizing yourself in another scenario can be quite helpful for relieving tension.