"I am super stressed" is a term you are probably familiar with. If you aren't the one stressed, you probably know someone who is. Stress is a word we use quite freely. There are many different levels of stress, and everybody deals with stress much differently.
Since starting to work at a company I've noticed some of the highest stress levels I could ever imagine. Some clients have fainted, others have broken out in hives, many stress eat, some simply can't sleep at night, most of them see therapists. Since I work in health and wellness I feel like it's about time I write about it.
First, let me list symptoms:
- Unable to concentrate
- Negativity
- Anxiety
- Moodiness and irrability
- Agitation, inability to relax
- Constantly feeling overwhelmed
- Sense of loneliness and isolation
- Depression or general unhappiness
- Aches and pains
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea, dizziness
- Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
- Loss of sex drive
- Frequent colds
- Eating more or less
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Isolating yourself from others
- Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
- Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
- Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)
Next, I want you to know what you can do:
- Workout
- Prioritize sleep
- Eat consciously
- Take vacation (without your phone)
- Spend time with the people you love
- Manage your calendar (don't overbook yourself)
- Don't work more than you need to
- Find something you enjoy that isn't on your computer (cooking,painting, walking, reading)
- Check in with yourself weekly (set goals)
Act on it, now! It's time to assess your biggest struggles and try to tackle them one at a time. When I write all the things down that I stress about I am able to realize how busy I can get, and how I sometimes allow my hectic schedule to stress me out. Don't wait until you are stressed to jot down and understand what stresses you out. Take the time now and fix it yourself.