Am I stressed? What to look out for and the effects on your body

The stress effect

Have you ever had the feeling your nervous system is in overdrive?

Constantly feeling like you’re on the edge of collapse.?

The body has an interesting way of dealing with pressure.

When we’re in danger, the body reacts instantly.?Pulling your hand away from a hot stove or stopping you from stepping out in front of a bus.?

This is the subconscious part of your brain in action. It protects your survival. Ancient systems that still kick in when you’re in danger.?

This happens at work too. That feeling of being in a state of ‘fight or flight.

Triggers include:

• Anticipating bad news, eg. You’re going to get fired
• Loss of opportunity, eg. Losing out on a bonus or promotion
• Comparison to others, eg. If a counterpart is performing well vs you
• Pressure to perform, eg. You’re behind on a target or deadline

Stress symptoms

What can you expect if you’re stressed out?

Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s going on. Especially if you're trapped in the daily grind.?

I lived in a state of ‘fight or flight for years. Rushing for trains, pressures to perform, self-doubt, and loss of sleep.?

I remember thinking: “just push through, it'll pass”

But, looking back, I needed to act. I was stressed and it was affecting my health.?

Here's what to look out for:

Feeling Tired

If you feel exhausted all the time, I mean needing extra rest, during the day or early evening, this could be a sign you’re stressed. Because your stress hormones pump out lots of stress hormones (cortisol), your body is in fight or flight mode. And this takes its toll on energy levels.?

Headaches

Many people suffering from excess stress complain of brain fog. Where you just can’t seem to come up with any good ideas, you can’t remember names or details. This is made worse by migraines and headaches.?

Feeling irritable ?

Because your nervous system is in overdrive, you lack patience around others. The smallest thing can set you off. And so you snap at loved ones around you, saying things out of character. Hurting important relationships around you.?

Sleep problems.?

High cortisol affects your sleep pattern. It’s hard to drop off to sleep, and then you wake up during the night. Unable to switch off because your mind is in overdrive. Worrying about external pressures (from the triggers listed above).?

Increased blood pressure.?

Stress causes your blood pressure to raise. Now add increased high cholesterol into the mix and you’ve got a problem. Increased blood pressure can increase the chance of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.

Not great. I know.?

But, if you’re realistic with your situation then this allows you to change.?

I meet many people who feel out of control of their lives because they’re unhappy in their careers.?

If you’re always in a state of panic, feeling rushed, like there’s not enough time in the 24-hour clock, then this is a problem.?

It feels relentless.?

So, what can you do about this??

First of all, it’s great to seek help. This may be speaking with others around you to discuss how you feel.?

Start with your partner. And if you feel comfortable speaking to your boss, go for it.?

Showing vulnerability is a good first move.?

And if you’ve done this and are still unsure what to do, send me a direct message over Linkedin.?

I can help.?

My Beat Career Burnout Coaching Programme is specifically designed for people who are suffering excess stress as a direct result of their careers.?

If you’d like to apply for the programme, please click the link below:

Answer the 4 questions, leave your details and I’ll be in touch with the next steps.?

Otherwise, have a great week.

Tom