Your body is crying out for help: 10 warning signs of stress you shouldn't ignore

Everyone feels a little stressed and anxious from time to time. But if that stress and anxiety are interfering with your daily life for a long period of time, then it’s time to take it seriously.

Otherwise, you may find yourself stressed, burned out, and unable to function.

So why not take the time to check in with your body and see if you’re actually more stressed and tense than you think. Here are some symptoms of stress that you should know and remember.

1. Skin Problems

Psoriasis, acne, and other skin problems can be the result of stress. This study looked at college students and found a link between high levels of mental stress and skin problems.

A study conducted on mice came to the same results. Mice exposed to high levels of stress were more vulnerable to skin infections.

2. Weight Change

Stress increases the production of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol stabilizes the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and balances blood sugar levels. But if you have too much of it, you will eat more and your body will produce less testosterone. As a result, you will gain weight.

On the other hand, a high level of adrenaline in the blood can lead to weight loss. Adrenaline speeds up metabolism, but also slows down the secretion of fat. Some researchers claim that the hormone CRH (a hormone related to the body's response to stress) leads to weight loss.

3. Constantly getting cold

Did you know that stress can make you feel cold all the time? In this study, 276 healthy people were exposed to cold weather. Then they were isolated. And researchers found that those who were constantly stressed were the ones who got sick, while those who weren’t stressed were the ones who stayed healthy.

So don’t blame the cold weather. If you’re often sick, it could be because you’re stressed.

4. Stomach problems

There is scientific evidence that stress can affect the digestive system. Stomach aches, for example, can be a sign of burnout.

One theory is that chronic stress causes the digestive system to become worn out and more sensitive, according to Harvard Medical School.

5. You can’t concentrate

People who are stressed for a long time often have difficulty concentrating on tasks. This happens due to stress-related fatigue.

If you feel like you are less focused than usual, it may be time to slow down and take a break.

6. Hair Loss

Studies have shown that stress can cause partial or even complete baldness.

If you notice that your hair is falling out more than usual, stress may be the cause.

7. Headaches

There are many causes of headaches, including vision problems, lack of sleep, high or low blood pressure, sinusitis, neck pressure, pregnancy, and more.

But some headaches are the result of stress, which can come from work or home.

Painkillers can certainly help, but if you don’t diagnose the root cause, there’s a very good chance that the headaches will come back.

8. Lost Libido

People who are exposed to stress become emotionally drained and their sex drive usually disappears.

So if you haven’t made love to your partner in a long time, don’t get angry or worried – because that won’t help. If stress is the cause, such feelings will only make things worse.

9. Insomnia

Stress can cause serious sleep problems. It can put your nervous system on high alert, making it difficult for it to relax.

Not getting a good night’s sleep can be disruptive to your life and directly affect your work and lifestyle.

If you can’t sleep, it’s important to find the cause and get rid of it as soon as possible!

10. Heart Disease

Our hearts go through a lot throughout our lives, for better and for worse. But stress has a negative effect on the body. This study showed that stress can change the rhythm of your heart in a very harmful way.

Take stress symptoms seriously and listen to your body’s warning signs! And remember to relax, even during major events that can be stressful.