Stress is a normal part of life. There is a natural ebb and flow of higher and lower intensity events, but many individuals suffer from chronic stress. Episodic stress events can be positive as they generate a reaction in our body to react. These situations can be an important client meeting, an interview, or even coming across a wild animal on a hike. However, chronic stress is living in a constant state of fight-or-flight.
What Are the Signs of Chronic Stress?
Stress can manifest itself in countless ways, some may be surprising. If you are experiencing any or many of these signs, chronic stress may be the root cause.
First Sign of Chronic Stress: Sleep Problems
Are you exhausted but struggle with insomnia? Are you regularly sleeping eight-to-ten hours every night but still don’t feel well-rested? Quality sleep is an important part of a healthy life. When sleep becomes fractured or disrupted, our physical and mental health suffer. It can lead to a weakened immune system and cause brain fog.
Creating a consistent sleep routine can be a great way to combat sleep problems. Turn off screens an hour before bedtime, and keep a consistent bed and wake time. Being physically active, especially outdoors, is a great way to encourage a good night’s rest.
Another Sign of Chronic Stress: Difficulty Focusing
No one can be “on” 100% of the time. However, if you find yourself constantly re-reading the same content or not retaining information that you have read, you might be having trouble focusing due to chronic stress. When your mind is constantly racing and in a panic, it can feel impossible to focus on our professional or personal lives.
Starting your morning with a meditation routine to clear your mind before the day begins. Try to minimize big distractions, maybe silencing your cell phone for an hour each day to promote focused work. If you are having a particularly difficult time, take a five minute break to breath and refocus.
Procrastination is a Sign of Chronic Stress
When you’re feeling overwhelmed the idea of starting a task, with all of the competing ongoing stressors, can feel paralyzing. Having so much to do but no clear path to start can lead to procrastination. While this may outwardly look like laziness, it’s an extremely difficult battle.
Paralyzing overwhelm can be extremely difficult to work through. Seeking the guidance of a licensed therapist can help find out some of the triggers of your chronic stress. Finding the root cause is imperative to decide on the correct path towards healing and taking back control over your own life.
Social Isolation– An Unknown Sign of Chronic Stress
After a long day or week at work or home, it is completely understandable that getting out and being social is not a top priority. Even in our stressful lives, it is important to maintain and nurture relationships with friends and family. If you are at a point where you don’t want to get together with others and have difficulty getting out of the house, it can be a sign of chronic stress.
You do not have to get out daily or weekly, but it is important to get out and prioritize social time for your mental health. It could be a walk with a friend, a monthly date-night with your partner, or catching a movie with your kids. These activities force us out of our world to enjoy the parts of life that stress makes it difficult to see or enjoy.
Harming Sign of Chronic Stress: Self-medicating with Drugs or Alcohol
Our culture sometimes leans into having a drink to relax after a stressful day. However, it is never healthy to use alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal) to escape our problems. While turning towards a substance to quell your chronic stress might feel like a quick fix, it is exacerbating the problem.
If you, or someone you know, are having trouble with substance abuse please reach out for help. Our licensed therapists can provide Addiction Counseling and support for you or your loved one.
Episodic Stress will always be part of our lives, but chronic stress does not have to be. These warning signs and management techniques can help you identify and manage how you handle stress. If you are struggling with Chronic Stress, our team at Renewed Wellness Counseling is happy to provide you with the support and tools you need.
