Stress. It’s a part of life, right? We all juggle work, relationships, finances, and a never-ending to-do list. But sometimes, the quiet pressure builds until it’s impossible to ignore. The problem? We often miss the signs of stress until we’re on the verge of burnout.
So, how do you know if you’re more stressed than you think? Here are 5 sneaky signs your body might be sending you:
The Snooze Button Is Your Bestie.
Hitting snooze once or twice isn’t a dealbreaker. But if you’ve become best friends with the button, consistently needing multiple snooze hits, or dragging yourself out of bed feeling exhausted despite a full night’s sleep, it’s a red flag. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), stress hormones like cortisol can disrupt sleep cycles, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep
Take action: Wind down before bed with a relaxing routine. Dim the lights, ditch screens for an hour, and unwind with a warm bath or calming tea. Reading or light breathing exercises can also help let your body know it’s time to chill.
Unhealthy Cravings Rule the Day.
Stress can throw your eating habits into a loop. Ever find yourself reaching for sugary treats, chips, or greasy takeout more often than usual? It’s not just you! Studies have shown a clear link between stress and our cravings for unhealthy foods [Epel et al., 2001]. These cravings might provide a temporary pick-me-up, but they won’t address the underlying stress and can lead to weight gain or digestive issues.
Take action: Plan healthy meals and snacks in advance to avoid unhealthy temptations. Stock up on lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
You’re Always (or Never) Hungry.
Some people turn into bottomless pits when stressed, constantly reaching for snacks or feeling like they could devour a whole meal. Others experience the complete opposite, with the mere thought of food making them feel nauseated.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:
- Always Hungry: Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt your hunger cues and make you feel hungrier even after eating. It can also affect your gut microbiome, the good bacteria in your digestive system. When this balance is thrown off, you might experience digestive issues and hunger pangs, even if you’ve recently eaten.
- Never Hungry: When stressed, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, prioritising dealing with the threat over digestion. This can suppress your appetite and make you feel less interested in food. Stress can also cause digestive problems like nausea or heartburn, making eating even less appealing.
Take action: If you notice changes in your appetite, track your eating habits for a few days. This can help you identify patterns and discuss any concerns with a doctor or registered dietician.
Your Clothes Don’t Fit Quite Right.
Stress can cause weight fluctuations in both directions. Some people experience stress-induced weight gain due to hormonal changes and emotional eating. Others lose weight due to changes in appetite or digestive issues.
Take action: If your clothes are feeling a bit snugger or looser than usual, track your weight and eating habits. If you’re concerned about unexplained weight changes, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Everyone Seems Difficult.
Feeling like everyone around you is inconsiderate or unhelpful? Stress can make us irritable and impatient, which can lead to us misinterpreting a situation or people. You might snap easily at loved ones or colleagues, creating unnecessary tension.
Take action: Practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation to manage your stress response. When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, take a step back and regroup before reacting.
For Further Reading:
- Stress and Sleep: A Review of the Literature [APA Sleep and Stress]
- Stress and Eating Behavior: A Review of the Literature [Epel, E.S., Lapidus, R., McEwen, B., & Brownell, K.D. (2001). Psychological Bulletin, 127(1), 355-366.]
- Stress and Gut Function [Mayer, E. A. (2011). Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the-impact-of-stress-on-your-gut]
Mental Matters is a resource and information platform. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the information on our website is for general awareness and support, it should not replace professional advice. For any mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare or mental health professional
.
Physio in Action Physiotherapist Birmingham
Physio Action @ David Lloyd Leeds
Back in Action Physiotherapy Cape Town
