Recognizing These Signs of Stress Can Improve Your Well-Being

Stress can manifest in numerous forms, and sometimes, it’s not easy to spot. Maybe you have a sudden craving for French fries or a strong need to sleep. Maybe you’re more irritated than usual. The National Institutes of Mental Health cites that chronic or long-term stress can lead to a mood disorder or even depression. Short-term stress can make you snap at people, perform poorly at work, or make you uninterested in things you used to enjoy. Recognizing the signs of stress can help you improve your response, and consequently, your health and well-being.

Stress can affect how we physically feel. NHS lists the physical signs of stress as dizziness, low energy, difficulty sleeping, muscle pain or tension, stomach problems, chest pain, increased heart rate, and sexual problems. Talking to a healthcare professional will usually help rule out any illnesses and identify what’s behind the symptoms, but only you can identify what’s stressing you out. The NIMH states that being observant of the body’s response to stress can help you identify triggers and address them better. 

Stress happens when we feel burdened by certain mental or emotional pressures. When we are experiencing stress, we can have mental symptoms that can derail us from our responsibilities and goals. These symptoms include difficulty concentrating, struggling to make decisions, feeling overwhelmed, worrying, forgetting, irritability, and irrational fear.

According to the UK Mental Health Foundation, it’s important to recognize when stress is a problem. Taking control is the next step.

Behavioral changes can also take place. When experiencing stress, a usually calm person can become short-fused and a social person can become withdrawn. They can become indecisive, have the urge to burst into tears, develop sleeping problems, overeat or undereat, or fall into unhealthy habits.

The NIMH states that setting goals, priorities, and healthy boundaries can help keep one focused. Other mental well-being hacks include doing regular exercise or engaging in relaxing hobbies such as drawing or cooking. Choosing activities that are important to you can help keep behavioral changes and your stress in check. 

The NHS recommends investing in some me-time to deal with stress. Whether it’s socializing, exercising, getting a new hobby, or developing a skincare routine, self-care for at least two nights a week can help reduce stress. It can also keep you from overworking, which can lead to more stress. When building your self-care routine, consider incorporating relaxing activities, such as facial massage or aromatherapy.

Adding essential-oil-infused products to your self-care routine can help put you in a calmer state of mind. For your hair, try Love Beauty and Planet Argan Oil & Lavender Smooth and Serene Shampoo and Conditioner. Infused with argan oil and relaxing French lavender, this shampoo nourishes hair while enveloping it in a serene lavender scent. 

Continue your relaxing ritual with Dove Lavender Body Wash. This has lavender and chamomile, which turns a regular shower into a soothing experience. It also makes skin comfortably moisturized with Moisture Renew Blend.

Finally, protect yourself from sweat with Rexona 3-in-1 Deo Powder Peppermint Cool. This non-staining formula can be used for the underarms, the feet, back, and hands — anywhere you might sweat from stress. It delivers natural odor protection while soothing your skin with peppermint. 

Recognizing the signs of stress can help you be more mindful of how you respond to it, and maybe even improve your well-being. Engaging in the activities above can help reduce stress and its symptoms, preventing chronic stress and mood problems.