If you are struggling to cope with life pressures, you might be stressed. After the last 18 months all of us would have felt stressed at times, which is perfectly natural. We’ve all had lots of extra things to worry about; juggling family life with additional stresses such as home-schooling, working from home and concerns about our family’s health have all taken their toll. But if you are struggling with your stress levels there’s lots of help out there.
What is stress?
Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
Stress is your body’s reaction to help you deal with pressure or threats. This is sometimes called a “fight or flight” response. Your stress hormone levels usually return to normal once the pressure or threat has passed.
A small amount of stress can be useful. It can motivate you to take action and get tasks completed. It can also make you feel alive and excited. But too much stress can cause negative effects such as a change in your mood, your body and relationship issues.
Remember
- Most people feel stressed sometimes.
- Some stress can be helpful. Too much stress may make you ill.
- Stress affects everyone differently, but there are common signs you can look out for.
- There are many different causes of stress. Stress is not an illness itself. But it can make you unwell if it is very bad or if it lasts a long time.
- You might not be able to avoid stress but there are things you can do to manage it.
Overview
- Most people feel stressed sometimes.
- Some stress can be helpful. Too much stress may make you ill.
- Stress affects everyone differently, but there are common signs you can look out for.
- There are many different causes of stress. Stress is not an illness itself. But it can make you unwell if it is very bad or if it lasts a long time.
- You might not be able to avoid stress but there are things you can do to manage it.
What are the signs of stress?
Stress affects different people in different ways. Below is a list of some of the common signs. Some of these things will not apply to you. You may have other signs of stress that we have not listed.
- Headaches
- Stomach problems
- Not sleeping
- Fearing the Worst
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Worrying about the future of past
- Feeling Irritable
- Crying
- Drinking or smoking more
- Avoiding Others
- Feeling Low
- Making Mistakes
