10 Weird Signs You’re Stressed Out

Stress manifests itself in a variety of ways.Some of these are emotional symptoms, such as moodiness and irritability, while others may masquerade as physical problems.

The problem with this physiological phenomenon is that you may just be dismissing these problems as harmless.Not only that, but the data shows that stress is increasing, making the problem more of a byproduct of daily life than a health complication that needs to be managed.But if you don’t address your stress, it can have serious consequences: it can lead to heart problems, sleep disorders, depressive symptoms, and more.

Needless to say, it’s important to determine if you have an emotional health issue.Not sure if you’re feeling stressed?Here are some of the signs that your body may be signaling stress to you:

1.Your muscles are throbbing.

Sprained neck?Tight shoulders?It’s probably not because of a new workout or a bad pillow.When you’re stressed, your muscles are under a lot of pressure, which can manifest as a strain or injury.Reader’s Digest recently reported that for men, lower back pain can be a common side effect of stress, while women usually experience problems in the upper back.Can someone say “massage time”?

2.You have a headache.

Speaking of tension, your brain can feel tension too.Stress headaches, that dull ache that feels like a band around your head, happen when you feel highly stressed.Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen, may help relieve the pain, and stress exercises such as meditation or yoga may also provide some relief.

3.You’re thirsty.

When you feel anxious, it causes your adrenal glands (small glands located at the top of the kidneys) to pump stress hormones into your body.Adrenal fatigue can also lead to fluctuations in other hormones, including a decrease in compounds that affect electrolyte and fluid levels.So if you’re feeling thirsty, your stress could be the culprit.

4.You’re sweating.

If you’ve ever had to give a presentation with sweaty palms or damp armpits, then you must know what we’re talking about.Stress-induced excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, can affect anyone with slightly higher than usual anxiety levels.Try some stress control techniques, such as deep breathing or listening to soothing music, to help lower these levels immediately.

5.Your hair is falling out.

Hair loss can be more than just a mild irritation.There are several conditions that can lead to hair loss due to excessive stress: resting alopecia, where hair falls out over time simply by brushing or washing your hair; plucking fetishism, a condition that causes hair to be pulled out; and patchy baldness, where the body’s immune system begins to attack the hair follicles.If you notice more hair loss than usual, consult your doctor.

6.You run to the bathroom a lot.

If you suffer from stomach problems such as stomach pain or frequent bathroom cravings, you may want to consider controlling your stress.As Daily Health points out, anxiety can lead to digestive problems.Here’s how:When stress activates the “flight or fight” response of the central nervous system, digestion stops because the central nervous system blocks blood flow, interferes with the contraction of digestive muscles, and reduces secretions needed for digestion.

7.You’re not feeling too hot.

A runny nose and stress are inextricably linked.Studies have shown that stress can make you more susceptible to illnesses like the common cold.Not only that, but some chronic illnesses, such as migraines, can also flare up after a stressful day.This phenomenon is known as the “relaxation effect” and occurs when your body finally relaxes.

When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol (aka the stress hormone).Experts say this hormone protects your body from pain (hello, adrenaline!), but once it calms down, it brings your body back into balance, which can set the stage for pain.

8.You have dental problems.

Teeth grinding or clenching can happen without your knowledge, even in the middle of the night while you’re asleep.The culprit – you guessed it – is stress.Not only can grinding or clenching your teeth cause jaw pain, it can also chip or damage your teeth.If the situation is severe, your dentist recommends relaxation techniques and wearing a mouth guard while you sleep.

9.You see different numbers on the scale.

A slight change in weight is not a big deal (after all, our weight fluctuates throughout the day).However, if there is a significant increase or decrease in weight, there may be a problem.Changes in appetite are one of the most common signs of stress and may indicate a need to address the problem.

To manage the risk of weight changes, experts recommend a healthy diet, adequate sleep and exercise.This not only helps in controlling weight but also essentially helps in relieving stress.

10.Your memory is fuzzy.

If you’ve misplaced your keys multiple times, it’s time to pay attention.CNN reports that poor memory is linked to excessive stress.Chronic stress reduces spatial memory, the part of the brain that helps you remember locations, objects and other more mundane things.