Recognizing Stress & Its Hidden Costs

Stress is an expert at playing hide and seek in our daily lives.

It can manifest in subtle, sometimes overlooked ways, impacting our emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral well-being.

Recognizing these signs can empower us to address stress head-on.

Let's explore these telltale symptoms that often signal it's time for a mindful check-in with ourselves.

?? Emotional Signs: Do you find your mood fluctuating more than usual? Are feelings of irritation, anxiety, or sadness becoming frequent visitors? Emotional signs are often the first indicators of stress, signaling that it's time to slow down and reflect.

?? Cognitive Signs: Notice any changes in your thinking patterns? Difficulty concentrating, constant worrying, and a pessimistic outlook can be signs that stress is affecting your cognitive functions.

?? Physical Signs: Stress loves to leave its mark on our bodies. Headaches, muscle tension or pain, fatigue, and changes in sleep patterns are common physical symptoms. It's your body's way of saying, "Hey, I'm dealing with a lot right now."

?? Behavioral Signs: Are there changes in your behavior? Perhaps you're eating more or less than usual, procrastinating more, or withdrawing from social activities. These behavioral shifts can be indicators that stress is taking its toll.

Acknowledging these symptoms is the first step towards managing stress more effectively.

Stress, when left unchecked, can chip away at our well-being.

Recognizing these signs isn't about self-diagnosing or worry. It's about being aware of how stress manifests in your life and taking proactive steps to manage it.?

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

Recognize and accept your feelings without judgment. It's natural and perfectly okay to experience stress; what's most important is how you respond to it.

1. Implement Self-Care Practices

Self-care is a powerful tool in navigating stress. Whether it's exercise, meditation, or simply taking time for yourself, find what helps you relax and make it a part of your routine.

1. Seek Support When Needed

You don't have to tackle stress alone. Reach out to friends, family, or professionals for support and guidance.

1. Stay Tuned to Your Body

Your body often signals when stress levels are too high. Pay attention to these signs and take action to alleviate them, whether through relaxation techniques, physical activity, or seeking medical advice.

I talk more in-depth about warning signs in a video. Watch it here! ??

Remember, recognizing stress is an act of self-awareness and care.

By being mindful of its signs, we can take steps to ensure our health and happiness aren't overshadowed by unchecked stress.

Let's embrace a proactive approach to managing stress and enjoy a more balanced, fulfilling life.

If you found this helpful, our Cost of Care training could help even more!

This training is all about actionable things you can do to ensure you’re showing up for yourself as you’re serving others. Visit our website if you want to learn more. ??

Create a great day,

Amanda + Team Mako Mindfulness #MakoMindfulness