The majority of people are under the impression that they recognize the signs of stress. The reality, though, is our failure to recognize the symptoms until we’re so deep in our anxiety that we’re making ourselves sick.
When you’re under pressure, you overthink, worry, struggle to cope with your emotions, and ultimately, your body responds. The better you recognize the symptoms, the earlier you realize you are dealing with too much pressure, which means you can manage it sooner to ensure it is under control.
With that in mind, let’s highlight six signs that you are under too much pressure.
1. Headaches
When you’re stressed out and under pressure, neck muscles and shoulders tense up. It, in turn, can cause a headache. Generally, tension headaches typify by pain in the back of the neck, head, and forehead. While it’s generally a dull pain, it is a constant one, and you might also feel the pressure.
2. Aches & Pains
Our bodies tend to experience more aches and pains as we grow older, but there is a difference between that type of soreness and stress-related aches and pains. When you’re under too much stress and pressure, your body’s sympathetic nervous system kicks into high-gear, stimulating the fight or flight response. It can result in increased tension in your muscles, thus leaving you with aches and pains.
3. You’re Constantly Under the Weather
If you catch every cold, flu, and illness going around, stress is the likely culprit due to pressure. Cortisol, the stress hormone, negatively impacts your immune system, and when exposed to it for too long, you become more susceptible to illness.
Other things experienced include digestive issues, whether it’s indigestion and heartburn or problems with your bowels.
4. Skin Problems
Whether it’s itchy skin or acne, the stress that too much pressure causes can result in severe skin problems. You might not think of itchiness as being related to pressure and stress, yet stress can cause inflammation issues in your skin, making you itchy.
While a low diet and a lack of hydration can contribute to acne, your problem might be more significant. Have you ever stopped to think about why your diet is low on nutrients? Too much pressure might be contributing to the problem.
The more stressed out you are, the more sebum your body produces, leaving you at risk of clogged pores, thus more likely to experience acne (and possibly ingrown hairs as well). While it isn’t strictly a skin problem, something that does come when the pressure is on excessive sweating occurs (which can cause its skin problems).
5. Irritability
Do you snap easily? Are you prone to lashing out with your friends, family, and co-workers? You might think they’re more annoying than usual, but the reality is more likely related to your stress levels. You’re grossly under pressure, and you are unpleasant to be around because of this.
6. Concentration Problems
If you feel like an elastic stretched in every direction, it’s likely true. The stress that stems from having a high amount of pressure can negatively impact your concentration. Of course, any concentration issues can relate to fatigue. When under pressure, you will likely experience exhaustion.
When in a heightened emotional state, the type that comes from being under constant pressure, your brain struggles to store information, leaving you more exhausted. Combine that with the lack of sleep, and you are likely dealing with stress. You are creating a toxic state of being for yourself.