Stress can manifest in a variety of ways. It is essential to check in with yourself mentally to see if you are harboring any stress. The tasks in our daily life can build up, and although we might not always see them, the stress can clutter our minds. We can think about it like spring cleaning. We need to declutter our unhealthy thoughts and purge the stress from our bodies. Your mental and physical health is too important to jeopardize with unhealthy thoughts or large amounts of stress. Help yourself make your mental wellbeing a priority.
Health Issues
Many health issues arise from stress. When you see a doctor for a specified issue, you may not realize it stems from stress. Stress can impact our body and trick us into believing we are ill. The immune system may become overloaded with fight or flight signals. These signals are activated when we are in stressful situations. Our brain tells us to run or to say and “fight.” Some examples of the fight or flight response occur when we are in a situation that requires confrontation or when our heart rate becomes elevated. Repeated exposure to fight or flight scenarios can result in health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Other health conditions associated with prolonged stress include increased likelihood for colds and infections, upset stomach or constipation, aches and pains, rashes, and headaches. Seeing a doctor is essential for these concerns, but it is also crucial that you are in tune with your body to identify what happens to it under stress.
Fatigue and Tiredness
Fatigue is one of the first identifiable signs of stress. When you are overworked or overwhelmed, your body lets you know. Stress makes our thoughts cloudy, and we become unable to concentrate. Sleep begins to sound better and better. Your eyes may appear bloodshot or challenging to hold open. If your body is sending you signs that you need to rest, it is crucial to listen to your body’s needs. Poor work performance or not being present with friends can stem from being fatigued. Sleep is one of the basic human needs, and no matter how many tasks you have to do, your health should always come first!
Skin Problems
There are many different reasons for acne. Some people are prone to it, and some people never experience a pimple in their life. Stress can exacerbate the production of sebum from our oil glands, resulting in clogged pores and more acne than usual. You may also experience stress acne from eating comfort foods or other unhealthy foods that seem more accessible than cooking.
When people are stressed, they also tend to touch their faces more. Rubbing their eyes or putting a hand on their forehead can contribute to the spread of oil from their fingertips to the skin.
Sleep Problems
Sleep is put on the back burner when there are things to be done. Stress keeps our minds on a treadmill, spinning and ruminating over different concerns. Insomnia is another component that affects the quality and quantity of sleep. Insomnia is the clinical term for being unable to fall asleep due to various reasons. Specific stressful situations can cause insomnia. The results may arise in waking up feeling unrefreshed or even more tired.
A helpful tactic for falling asleep while dealing with stress is compartmentalizing. While easier said than done, it can help you get the rest you need. Take your stressful situation, and as you lay down to sleep, place your stress in a bubble. Speak it out loud if you feel comfortable, and imagine the bubble floating far away as you drift away to sleep. The imagery of this tactic can help separate you from your stress.
Another activity that can help you achieve better sleep is by using essential oils and music. Creating a relaxing, peaceful environment contributes to better sleep. You might try turning off all electronics two hours before bedtime as well. The brain associates your bed with sleep, so the environment you create in your room ensures the best quality of sleep.
Mental Health Symptoms
In severe cases of stress, you may experience symptoms of mental health disorders. Staying in tune with your body and your basic needs is pertinent for maintaining a healthy body and healthy mind. If you find yourself drowning in to-do’s and feel as though you are being worked to the ground, then it may be time to speak to a professional. Being open with others is key to achieving wellness. Put your mental health first, always.
Stress can manifest itself in ways we would never think of. From health issues to fatigue to acne and sleep problems, our stress carries over to every aspect of our lives. It is essential to put our mental health first by checking in with our body and assessing how stress is showing up. Eating healthy and getting enough quality sleep are significant first steps to maintaining your mental and physical health. You may need to tell your work that you need a mental health day or let your family and friends know that you are overwhelmed and need additional help. For more resources regarding mental health, SokyaHealth has you covered. We offer services for mental health disorders for children, adolescents, and adults in the Alaska, Oregon, and California regions. For more information or a free consultation regarding our mental health services, call SokyaHealth today at (866) 657-6592.
