Overstressed and Overwhelmed: Seven Red Flags That Shows Your Body Is Pushing Its Limits
It’s difficult to notice when your body is overstressed because it’s not something that always shows up on the outside
Our bodies are under constant stress from the moment we wake up in the morning until we go to bed at night. Some experts estimate that your body experiences almost 2 million stressful events every single day. This puts us on edge and causes our bodies to work much harder than they have to so that we can get through the day. But when you push your body beyond its limits, it will eventually break down, and symptoms will start showing up as physical ailments such as headaches, back pain, and high blood pressure.
A Note From Dr. Mark Hyman
Red Flag #1: Digestive Issues
With stomach cramps, gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, digestive problems could be a sign of inflammation or food sensitivities.
In terms of weight management, researchers have found that people who experience some form of the digestive issue are more likely to be overweight. Digestive difficulties can be both the cause and the effect of overeating, says Alice Lichtenstein (Dietician at Tufts University) in an interview with WebMD. Uncomfortable people can eat for emotional reasons. She suggests making sure you get enough protein in your diet- it’s digested slowly and helps calm your system.
Red Flag #2: Trouble Sleeping
When you can’t fall asleep, tossing and turning all night long, or waking up for long periods in the middle of the night, it’s usually your body’s way of telling you that it needs a break. Whether it be an emotional or physical break or both. Maybe that relationship isn’t as fulfilling as you thought. Or maybe work is just sucking out all your energy. In this case, a sleep study would be beneficial to see if any disturbances are happening while we’re snoozing and why they may be occurring.
Red Flag #3: Skin Issues
The skin is the largest organ in the body, which means when it gets overworked it is quick to show signs of irritation. If you are feeling burnt out, frustrated, or exhausted regularly this could be a sign that your body needs a break. Allergies, eczema, acne, heat rash- all of these conditions are related to either emotional or physical stressors and result in damage to the skin. Watch for any new breakouts you have not had before that do not respond to typical treatments like an antibiotic cream or an over-the-counter lotion. These symptoms could be from changes in stress levels rather than from an infection.
Red Flag #4: Headaches, Migraines, or Blurred Vision
Migraines are headaches that usually last for 24 hours and cause intense pain. Migraines can be caused by sleep deprivation, caffeine, alcohol, lack of food or vitamins/minerals, sugar intake, stress, etc. This is important to note because migraines can cause blurred vision making it difficult to drive a car. If you feel like your headaches are worse than usual it’s important to consult a doctor to prevent possible serious injury or illness. Make sure you drink lots of water to relieve headache pain as this is an effective way with the least amount of side effects.
Red Flag #5: Eczema, Psoriasis, or Dry/Itchy Skin
If you or a loved one is experiencing dry skin or chronic itching, look for these signs that you may be overstressed.
-Did you recently change jobs, start a new exercise program, or lose a loved one? If so, eczema or psoriasis may be the physical manifestation of emotional stress.
-Are there new household responsibilities (babysitting grandchildren) that you are neglecting? These tasks may require an adjustment in your lifestyle which could be causing dry skin or irritation to flare up.
-Is the itchiness accompanied by flu symptoms like fever, chills, and nausea? Itchy skin could also be caused by an illness unrelated to emotional stress such as chickenpox or hepatitis.
Red Flag #6: Muscle Cramps and Chronic Pain
Muscle cramps and chronic pain are telltale signs that your body is working overtime. Tension in the muscles can lead to cramping or pain, which will often feel worse at night when you’re trying to relax. Take a look at the food you’re eating — are there any high-stress foods on your menu? Stay hydrated, too — if you don’t drink enough water during a stressful event, such as a job interview, you might get muscle cramps as a result of dehydration.
Red Flag #7: Cognitive Issues
Cognitive impairment is a pretty clear indicator that your body may require rest. Evidence shows that any type of mild cognitive impairment, such as short-term memory loss or slowed information processing, can be an early warning sign for Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, this type of symptom won’t get better with treatment — it will only get worse. Don’t push yourself to the point where it becomes too difficult to focus on simple tasks.
