Unrestrained stress can cause a multitude of unpleasant physiological symptoms and can exacerbate nearly all health problems, both mental and physical. Is your stress level creeping higher than you realize? In our last post, we looked at such signs as negative thought loops, being your own worst enemy, being out-of-control of your emotions, unexplained fatigue and eating too much or not enough. Next up are:

1. Your brain is a puddle of goo – If you’re finding it hard to concentrate on tasks at hand, repeating yourself unknowingly, procrastinating or forgetting every little thing, chances are you’re on stress-mode autopilot and don’t even know it. Our brains can’t function optimally when our cortisol levels are constantly on the rise.
2. Your sleep schedule is thrown off – Most people who are chronically stressed have sleep problems. Whether you’re sleeping too much or not sleeping enough, going to bed way too late or waking up much later than you should be, you need to check in with yourself. Sleep is one of the cornerstones to good health. So, if you’re not sleeping well, figure out what’s bothering you and try to get back on track.
3. You’re never “in the mood” – Has your libido taken a nose dive recently? If you have too much stress in your life it often impedes sexual function. When the body is in a state of hyperawareness, your cortisol levels are soaring which can seriously snuff out any desire for romance.
4. Your head hurts – Are you getting more unexplained headaches than usual, perhaps of the tension variety? Chances are that unchecked stress is to blame!
5. Your heart is misbehaving – Stress and anxiety can actually cause your heart to palpitate (the feeling of ‘skipped beats’, as well as race too fast (tachycardia). Have you been aware of your heartbeat lately? Does it feel like its not beating as it should? You may be anxious or stressed. It is important to let your doctor know so he or she can rule out more serious issues such as arrhythmias, but more often than not these symptoms are caused by stress.

Other symptoms of stress include stomach discomfort, aches and pains, itching or frequent colds. If you’ve been experiencing many of these symptoms, it is time for a stress tune up. Unchecked chronic stress can be a killer. It is linked to (or known to worsen) such serious conditions as depression, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, asthma and more. If you’re constantly riding a stress wave, you’re playing with fire. Check out our stress busting tips to help you lower your levels, or if you can’t seem to manage your stress, talk to your doctor about a referral to a mental health professional soon. Thanks for visiting DocChat!