How to Tell If You're Stressed

Everybody knows somebody who is stressed. But while it’s easy to identify when someone else is stressed, it’s not always that easy to tell if YOU are stressed. Consider these questions to find out.

Irritability. Do you have a short fuse? Do you get angry with little things?

Decreased sense of humour. Do you find that you smile and laugh less? Do you take things too seriously? Do you have thin skin? Are you unexplainably sad?

Worry. Do you find that you get stuck in loops of thought, replaying anxious past experiences, or imagined future events?

Excessiveness. Do you eat or drink in excess? Do you have an addiction? Or do you turn to food, coffee, vape, tv, social media? Do you go overboard in the things you do? Do you wear stress like a badge of honour?

Forgetfulness. Are you more forgetful? Do you feel mentally locked or foggy? Do you have difficulty thinking clearly?

Physical symptoms. Do you have headaches or migraines? Do you have muscle tension in your jaw, face, shoulders, or back? Do you have frequent digestive upset?

Nervousness. Do you talk too fast, too much, or do you blurt things out? Do you feel clumsy and uncoordinated? Do you have any nervous tics?

Fatigue. Are you frequently tired? Do you sleep, but wake tired? Do you have difficulty falling or staying asleep? Do you feel run-down?

Illness. Are you frequently ill with allergies, or the cold or flu? Do you have a stress-related illness (a stress-related illness is any disease or symptom for which stress is a risk factor)?

These questions can help you identify and own up to the fact that you are experiencing some level of stress. Knowing that you’re stressed, admitting that you’re stressed is important. But it’s only the first step in conquering stress. Now, what are you going to do about it?

P.S. Is it time to do something about it? Check out our brand new Free Resources page.

P.P.S If you are committed to making change in your stress level, check out our Services page. We’ve got options to fit your needs!