The first signs of stress

It’s “Workplace Stress Week” here in The Netherlands. A great moment to share some of the first signs of stress so you can take action before you undermine your health.

Here are some common signs of stress:

Physical signs:

• You often get a cold or headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Fatigue

Also in times of stress, chances are your breathing is relatively shallow and high up in your chest rather than deep in your belly.

Emotional signs:

• Feeling overwhelmed
• Irritable or moody
• Mood swings (e.g., crying, bursts of anger)

Mental signs:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Worrying
• You’re forgetting things

Most likely you’re not as productive or creative as you normally are. You might find it difficult to relax or your thoughts are going a mile a minute.

Using alcohol, food, shopping, gaming or social media to unwind and destress (or distract yourself) is another indicator that your stress level is out of control. These are all warning signs you need to take seriously.

Please note this list is not conclusive. You might experience other signs of stress. Trust your body and what it tries to tell you. If you pause long enough to listen, you’ll know when you’re putting a strain on yourself.

The problem with stress is that when you’re functioning on adrenaline it seems you’re doing fine. Your body does its utmost to keep you functioning—as it believes you’re in danger—and it will provide you with (false) energy to get you through the day.

Warning: this false energy makes you think you have more energy than you actually do.

I remember when I was told I had energy for four hours per day, and I was doing the rest on willpower—which was damaging my organs! I knew I was tired but I had no idea the situation was this bad. And that’s because the adrenaline kept me afloat.

It’s been said that 90% of disease are caused by stress. According to McKinsey Health Institute, globally one in four employees are experiencing signs of burnout. Stress hormones weaken the immune system, increase aging and the risk of (chronic) disease.

If you want to reduce the risk of burnout for your team or organization, then the Energy Balance Scan^TM is the tool for you.

The Energy Balance Scan^TM has been specifically designed to give organizations insights in the energy and stress level of their employees so you can take preventive measures, rather than have burned out employees. Read all about this tool here.

Or perhaps you are curious about your own energy and stress level? Take the Energy Balance Scan^TM now

Have a day full of energy and inspiration!

PS Are you curious about your energy and stress level? The Energy Balance Scan^TM gives you an answer within minutes!

Check Your Energy & Stress Level Now

PPS Click here for the corporate solution

Iris van Ooyen guides people home to themselves. As a Dutch life transformation mentor with 24 years of experience, she offers hope with a compass—helping you find your way back to who you truly are when life, success, or circumstance have made you lose touch with yourself. She’s the author of Radiant: How to Have All the Energy You Need to Live a Life You Love and the novel Poisoned Arrow. When you feel life should be more than this, contact Iris to come home to yourself—and love your life again.

Follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram.