Stress-related symptoms
Have you noticed that stress is having an increasing impact on your day? Perhaps you often wake up feeling tense, find yourself getting irritated more easily, or feel as though your head is full. Sometimes you just carry on, because work, family, studies or looking after others also carry on. But in the meantime, you’ve noticed that your body and mind are finding it harder and harder to recover.
Stress isn’t always a bad thing. It can help you take action. But if stress lasts too long or recurs too often, it can cause symptoms. This makes it harder to relax and carry on with everyday tasks. It’s important to take stress-related symptoms seriously, before you become completely stuck.
What do you notice?
Symptoms of stress can manifest physically, mentally and in your behaviour. Sometimes you recognise them straight away. Sometimes you only realise later that you have been under pressure for a long time.
You may, for example, notice that:
- you often feel tired;
- you have trouble sleeping;
- you have tense muscles;
- you have a headache or stomach ache;
- you get angry, sad or irritated more quickly;
- you find it difficult to concentrate;
- you worry a lot;
- you get less enjoyment out of things;
- you find it difficult to relax.
Sometimes your behaviour changes too. You might start eating more, eating less, drinking more, exercising less or withdrawing from others. These are signs that your balance is under strain.
What might be the cause?
Stress-related symptoms often arise when, over a prolonged period, more is demanded of you than you are able to cope with. This may be due to work pressure, studies, worries at home, financial worries, health problems or a major life event.
Even small things can add up. Lots of appointments, little rest, poor sleep, being constantly available online, and the feeling that you have to get everything right. All of this combined can create a lot of pressure.
What can you do yourself?
It helps not to suppress stress, but to identify where the pressure is coming from. Start small. You don’t need to turn your whole life upside down straight away.
For example, you could:
- write down what causes you stress;
- plan a moment of peace every day;
- to move in a way that is feasible;
- ensuring regular mealtimes;
- seek out fewer stimuli when your mind is full;
- talk to someone you trust;
- make tasks smaller;
- see what can be scaled back temporarily.
Try to stop in good time, too. Many people only rest when they really can’t carry on any longer. Taking a break sooner often helps more than having to recover afterwards.
When is it advisable to seek help?
It is wise to seek help if symptoms of stress persist or get worse. It is also a good idea to ask for help if you are having trouble sleeping, worrying a lot, experiencing panic or feeling increasingly down.
Please also seek help if you are no longer able to work, study, look after yourself or look after others properly. Take the signs from those around you seriously if people are worried about you.
How Rondom can help
Together, we’ll look at what is causing stress in your daily life and what is needed to help you regain a sense of calm. In doing so, we’ll focus on your tasks, energy levels, sleep, boundaries and recovery.
A lifestyle coach can help with rhythm, relaxation, sleep and healthy habits. A occupational therapist can help with managing energy and adapting daily tasks. If you find yourself worrying, feeling stressed or getting stuck, psychological support should be appropriate.
We are looking for steps that are achievable. The aim is for you to recognise stress earlier and regain control of your day.
