Everyone feels stressed from time to time, but when stressful days begin to spread over several weeks, the effects of this ongoing stress really begin to be felt. There are a number of strange things that can happen to you if you have been stressed for a long time beyond sleep problems or feeling uneasy ...
You crave sugar
It is no coincidence that a brownie seems particularly attractive in times of stress. "You're hungry for satiating foods high in fat and sugar," says psychologist Melanie Greenberg. "Chronic stress causes your body to have more fuel to keep you alive. "
The details obsess you
Stress can cause you to think too much of something that would not have come to your mind in normal times. "You can become hyper focused on a problem, continue to ruminate about it and avoid seeing the big picture," Greenberg says. "Anxiety limits our attention to the source of the threat and makes us hyper-vigilant. "
You feel awkward
According to a study published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, when you are stressed for a long time, your sleep is affected and this deprivation can lead to certain cognitive and motor impairments that could even compete with the effects of alcohol intoxication. "If you've been stressed for a week or more, your thinking, judgment, and coordination may be skewed, just as you might feel when you've been drinking, increasing the risk of an accident," says Dr. Kimber. Shelton.
The slightest noise disturbs you
By turning into a maniac, any form of external troubles is not welcome and disturbs you enormously. Stress can trigger a delicate situation and a dispersed mind, any disturbance or noise during the process of accomplishing tasks will make them more difficult.
You are often tired
Stress is painful for the body and you may feel exhausted. You may become angry or tired easily, as if you are dragging in emotional mud, inattentive to your interactions or the needs of others. If the stress lasts too long, it can even turn into a form of depression. It is always better to talk to a professional if you are concerned about this happening.
Or you release a beautiful breath of energy
You could end up with a burst of energy, but do not get upset - this is usually followed by a crash at the end. "That's because the parasympathetic nervous system can bounce back when your stress response has been activated for too long," says Greenberg. "It reduces blood pressure. "
You are very irritable
Even if you are not angry or upset, stress can cause you to become aggressive or irritable. "Wanting to escape your stressful situation can turn into anger and hostility when you're not there," says Greenberg.
You tell everything to anyone
If you find yourself telling your story to your bistro's server, your stress is to blame. It may be that you end up telling your misfortunes to someone you barely know, because you need to let off steam. Although you may feel better about the moment, it is best to try to contact a trusted friend or therapist to handle the stress. "
You become addicted to caffeine
Sleep deprivation is supplemented by sleepless nights and constant efforts to try to sleep a little. In such moments, you may find yourself consuming several energy drinks and caffeine to keep you awake. This is a vicious circle, as the aftereffects of the energy drink bring you back to square one, tired and frustrated.
Stress also weakens your immune system, leaving you prey to disease. It also increases blood glucose levels, triglycerides and blood cholesterol, which cause cardiovascular disease.
It can also be noted heart palpitations, tension and pain (in the neck, jaw or back), asthenia (it is a state of general fatigue), difficulty to sleep, waking several times at night, dizziness, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), bloating, nausea.
During an intense period of stress, certain physical symptoms may appear: digestive spasms, cold extremities, tremor, paleness, lump in the throat, heavy sweat, tightness in the chest, knot in the stomach, malaise.
How to reduce stress?
- Establish a list by defining priority tasks and secondary tasks
- Avoid procrastination
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthy
- Take some time to meditate
- Diffuse essential anti-stress oils at home such as lavender, verbena ...
- Reduce your caffeine intake
- Spend time with family or friends
- Laugh often
