I Was Stressed and I Didn't Even Know It

I understand how overwhelming work stress can be, and how it can deeply affect so many aspects of your life—your sleep, health, finances, and relationships.

When stress at work is driven by things like restructures, job insecurity, or just an unmanageable workload, it can feel like you're losing control. It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride you just can’t get off!

That sense of instability can disrupt your entire life.

It is how you respond to stress that really determines the impact it has on you. Many of my clients, like you, are highly capable but find themselves trapped in a cycle of feeling overwhelmed and helpless because they lack a clear strategy for managing their emotions and reactions. Often, that stress builds because it feels like there’s nothing you can do.

The secret is learning how to make stress work for you; how to transform your stress into a source of strength.

I’ve got a confession to make.

I’m a stress addict. I love working under pressure. I love the adrenalin rush. Initially my family was telling me I was stressed. I dismissed them. I was coping. However the benchmark of what is normal and acceptable had shifted.? Being tired, irritable, sore, impatient, unhealthy was the new normal. I wasn’t burnt out (yet), I didn’t have meltdowns at work or adrenal fatigue.

Yet work got the best of me and my family got what was left over (which was not much and not good).

The problem is, avoiding the issue doesn’t make it go away. I remember saying to my mentor, Dr John Hinwood, that I had recently dealt with basal cell carcinoma on my face.? I felt that the stress people told me I had may be related somehow.

I’ll never forget him cradling my hands gently in his, looking me straight in the eye and saying to me “It is. It’s all related.”

Maybe you’re like I was, doing things to regain control, like eating well, exercising, or taking mental health days, which are great small steps. But you probably already sense that these actions, while helpful, aren’t really addressing the deeper emotional turmoil or the real causes of your stress. Without a long-term plan, these are just temporary fixes that don’t tackle the root of the problem.

As stress builds, it can take a toll on your mental health. You might notice it starts with difficulty sleeping, concentrating irritability.? But over time, it can lead to withdrawing from loved ones or feeling disconnected from yourself. These symptoms create a vicious cycle where stress leads to self-doubt, which then reinforces the stress. At a certain point, you realise that just pushing through it isn’t enough anymore.

This is where I can help.

As your coach, my first goal is to create a safe and supportive space for you to express what’s really going on without fear of judgment. Together, we can unpack the main stressors in your life and identify the emotional triggers behind them. From there, we’ll build a personalised plan that transforms your stress into a source of strength.? We’ll create a portfolio of tools and strategies that you can immediately apply that will shift your mindset. I’ll guide you in recognising what you can control and help you let go of the things you can’t.

We’ll also address patterns that might be holding you back, like overthinking or maladaptive techniques (like alcohol), and I’ll support you as you develop healthier habits. You’ll find that over time, a shift happens—you’ll feel empowered because while you can’t change everything about your work environment, you can change how you respond to it. This new perspective makes a profound difference, allowing you to manage your stress in a healthier way, improve your relationships, and regain a sense of balance in your life.

You’ll also find you’re taking less sick, stress leave!

If you found this useful, why not pay it forward. Sharing it with someone else you think might benefit from this information too.?

Next Steps to Take Action

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, overworked and just over this!, let’s jump on a call. I’ll give you some tips and tricks of things you can easily remember in the moment that will create a significant shift. Book Your Call Here

If you'd like to determine how likely your stress is going to impact on your health, take the Stress Test.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Barbara Clifford is a co-founder of The Hinwood Institute.? She is the lead trainer and coach in Time Management and a recognized leader in Stress Management. She is a highly experienced coach, international speaker, columnist, facilitator and accredited mediator.

Barbara?equips busy business leaders to make courageous decisions in pressure situations for the long-term benefit of their business, team and personal wellbeing. Giving them a sense of order; taking them from chaos to calm and transforming their stress into a source of strength.?? She lives in the desert of Alice Springs, Australia working with people around the world