As you’ve probably already realized, this month, we’re getting intimate with stress management. This week, we’re exploring how our body whispers, “I’m stressed.” Stress is not always about the big moments; sometimes, it’s about the overlooked details.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THESE IMPORTANT WARNING SIGNS

Finding yourself snapping quicker than usual, or maybe that cup of coffee doesn’t seem to cut it anymore? These subtle cues are your body’s way of waving a red flag. So is…

🚩Changes in Sleep: Whether it’s insomnia, waking up tired despite a full night’s sleep, or oversleeping, these shifts can indicate stress. And let’s be real; sometimes us high-achievers might push these signs aside, attributing them to a busy schedule rather than acknowledging them as symptoms of stress.

🚩 Brain Fog and Difficulty Concentrating: You might notice you’re more forgetful, have trouble focusing, or find decision-making more strenuous than usual. You could mistakenly chalk this up to just having an “off day” rather than recognizing it as a stress response.

🚩 Unusual Mood Fluctuations: These can range from irritability over small inconveniences to unexpected anxiety or sadness. That’s burnout for you. All too often, because many people struggle with these symptoms, we don’t connect these mood swings with stress, assuming we’re just naturally reactive or emotional.

🚩Physical Symptoms Without a Clear Cause: Stress can manifest physically in tension headaches, stomach issues, or nonspecific aches and pains. Think these symptoms are just signs of aging or physical exertion? Try again. The culprit is usually, you guessed it, stress.

🚩 Changes in Eating Habits: This could be overeating or loss of appetite. You might not see this as a red flag for stress, especially if you’re using food as a reward or coping mechanism. No judgment, though. I’ve been there.

🚩 Isolation and Withdrawal from Social Activities: Initially, this might not even register as a problem for busy professionals who value their downtime. However, gradually pulling away from social engagements can be a stress response.

🚩 Increased Reliance on Substances: This includes an uptick in caffeine, alcohol, or other substance consumption. Clients might justify this as a necessary boost for their high-demand lifestyle, overlooking the stress underlying this dependency.

Stress doesn’t always shout—it often whispers. Maybe you’ve noticed your shoulders creeping up towards your ears without realizing it, or you’re having more trouble sleeping through the night. These signs are just as vital as the big, obvious ones. Your body is remarkably good at letting you know when something’s up, but it’s up to us to learn its language.

NOW WHAT?

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Recognizing these minor signs can be the first step to making meaningful changes, but I’m happy to help you. In addition to applying for private sessions, here are some small steps you can take right now. Embrace at least one change and commit to it for a month:

BREATHING: We breathe all day, every day, making it an ideal starting point for stress management. Adopt the 3×3 method: three times a day, stop to take three deep breaths, focusing on full inhalations and forceful exhalations. This simple practice can significantly calm your body and mind by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

NUTRITION: Eating is a daily necessity, and it’s a powerful avenue for enhancing our well-being. However, our relationship with food is often complex, rooted in emotion and social habits. Instead of drastic dietary changes, consider understanding your unique mind/body type to discover foods that naturally complement your system, minimizing stress on your body. Exploring resources like EWG’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen can also guide you in making informed choices about when to invest in organic options.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: If the thought of your usual high-energy workout doesn’t appeal to you after a stressful day at work, heed your body’s signals, which could suggest the need for rest. This is especially true for women during the onset of their menstrual cycle. Gentle activities, such as yoga or a walk—particularly in a serene, natural setting—can be SUPER restorative, meeting your body’s need for movement in a soothing manner.

I LOVE HEARING FROM YA

What subtle stress signs have you noticed in yourself?