Recognising the warning signs of stress
Each person tends to have his or her own pattern of stress response, so that warning signs of stress vary from person to person. There are many signs that a person is under stress.
One of the most obvious and early signs of stress to look out for is an intensification of personality traits. However, perhaps the earliest and most apparent warning sign is an exaggeration of eating habits. Some people lose their appetite when they become stressed, anxious or depressed; others eat more or over-eat, perhaps to comfort themselves.
Stress warning signs include:
· Feeling unable to slow down or relax
· Explosive anger in response to minor irritation
· Anxiety or tension lasting more that few days
· Inability to focus on your attention
· Fatigue
· Sleep disturbances
· Tension headaches
· Cool hands or feet
· Aching shoulder or neck muscles
· Indigestion
· Loss or increase in appetite
· Diarrheas or constipation
· Ulcers
· Heart palpitations
· Allergy or asthma attacks
Although we all experience some of these symptoms at various times for various reasons other than stress, be alert if the symptom occur frequently. However, it is important not to panic, as this in itself will cause stress.
