Everyday life occasionally includes stress. This is normal and even necessary. Stress can even be a good thing on occasion. A suitable amount of stress spurs you on and makes you do things efficiently.
However, good everyday life means that there is not too much stress – at least not for long periods at a time. If you have too much stress, life feels tough and tiresome. You should learn to recognise the symptoms of stress and exhaustion in advance and practice different means of alleviating stress.
Threatening and overburdening situations produce stress
Stress is produced when you feel that your skills and abilities are not enough or that you have to push yourself to the limit. The following are examples of things that can produce stress:
- constant hurry
- changes in relationships and living conditions
- lack of social relationships and loneliness
- lack of support
- financial problems
- unreasonable demands and schedules
- burdensome lifestyle
Sometimes even positive things, such as graduation or a new relationship, can produce stress. Stress is individual: something that stresses one person out, does not affect another at all. Some people also get stressed more easily than others. Your personality traits, temperament and situation in life are all things that affect how you experience stress. Excessive expectations and demands from yourself or others can also often increase stress levels.
Sometimes even positive things, such as graduation or a new relationship, can produce stress.
Temporary stress tunes you up for action
We are at our best when we are excited and focused on what we are doing. Positive stress tunes us up for action, gives us energy and helps us focus. If we never experience any kind of stress, we might not get anything done. Stress also tells us which things are important to us – that is why they stress us out!
The main issue is whether the stress is temporary or constant. Short-term stress does not usually cause any problems – it makes people do their best. Long-term stress, however, can be harmful in many ways.
Recognise excessive stress
You should learn to recognise the symptoms of stress that is excessive to you. You can then act on it before the pressure gets too high. Learn to listen to yourself as symptoms of stress vary from person to person. The most typical symptoms include the following:
- Various physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension and pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, upset stomach and stomach pain
- Emotional symptoms, such as annoyance, anxiety, increased tendency to cry, volatility and melancholy
- Behavioural symptoms, such as sleeping disorders, withdrawal from normal functions, impatience, nervousness, restlessness and dawdling
- Symptoms related to thinking, such as problems with concentration, pessimistic thoughts, difficulties in making decisions, increased self-criticism, memory disorders
You should learn to recognise the symptoms of stress that is excessive to you.
Long-term stress can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, severe depression, high blood pressure, fatigue and sleeping problems. Please consult a healthcare professional if needed.