Top 20 Signs of Stress

Updated: 2021

Stress is a natural and unavoidable part of life that can affect us differently. In contrast, some stress can be beneficial in helping us achieve our goals, but too much stress can be harmful and adversely affect our health, relationships, and work performance. Stress significantly contributes to workplace absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs.

1. Frequent Illness: Your body is telling you that something isn’t right. Frequent illness can signify that your immune system is weakened due to stress.
2. Physical Symptoms: Chronic stress can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. It’s essential to address the root cause of these symptoms and not just treat them as isolated issues.
3. Negative Behavior: Stress can make you more irritable and defensive. It’s essential to recognize how stress affects your behavior and how it impacts your relationships with others.
4. Overreacting: Minor issues can feel overwhelming when you’re stressed. Be mindful of how you react to situations and seek perspective before making a big deal out of small things.
5. Overthinking: Stress can cause you to dwell on minor issues and make them seem much more extensive than they are. It’s essential to step back and evaluate the situation objectively.
6. Conflicts: Engaging in arguments with coworkers can be a sign of stress. It’s essential to communicate effectively and constructively address disputes.
7. Cognitive Decline: Chronic stress can lead to forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. It’s essential to take breaks and prioritize self-care to maintain cognitive function.
8. Lack of Focus: Trying to multitask can be a sign of stress, as it’s challenging to focus on one task when you’re under pressure. It’s essential to prioritize and break down tasks into manageable chunks.
9. Daydreaming: Stress can cause you to become distracted and lose focus on the present moment. It’s important to practice mindfulness and stay current to reduce stress.
10. Fatigue: Chronic stress can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. It’s essential to take breaks and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout.
11. Dependence on Coffee: Relying on caffeine to get through the day can signify chronic stress. Finding healthier ways to boost your energy, such as exercise or a balanced diet, is essential.
12. Procrastination: Putting off tasks can be a sign of stress and lead to further anxiety. It’s essential to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and set achievable goals.
13. Time Management: Feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day can signify stress. It’s essential to prioritize and manage your time effectively to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
14. Avoidance: Avoiding conflict or confrontation can be a sign of stress. It’s essential to address issues constructively to maintain healthy relationships.
15. Negative Self-Talk: Succumbing to self-pity can be a sign of stress and lead to a negative mindset. It’s important to practice self-compassion and positive self-talk to reduce stress.
16. Overeating: Stress can cause you to overeat and feel bloated. It’s essential to listen to your body’s signals and practice mindful eating habits to avoid physical discomfort.
17. Cluttered Environment: Clutter can be a sign of stress and lead to a sense of overwhelm. Maintaining a clean, organized environment to reduce stress and promote productivity is essential.
18. Low Self-Esteem: Feeling like a loser can be a sign of stress and can lead to negative self-talk. It’s important to practice self-compassion and positive self-talk to maintain healthy self-esteem.
19. Social Isolation: Missing out on social events can be a sign of stress and lead to feelings of loneliness. It’s essential to prioritize social connections and maintain healthy relationships to reduce stress.
20. Negative Perceptions: Viewing others as adversaries can be a sign of stress and can lead to conflict and tension in relationships. Maintaining a positive outlook and communicating effectively to maintain healthy relationships with those around you is essential.

It’s worth noting that stress is a natural and expected part of life, and not all stress is necessarily harmful. However, chronic stress that is not managed effectively can adversely affect physical and mental health. It’s essential to recognize the signs of stress and take proactive steps to work on it, practice self-care, seek support from loved ones, and use stress reduction techniques such as meditation or exercise. By reducing stress and promoting mental and physical well-being, individuals can improve their overall quality of life and perform better in their personal and professional endeavors.

Here are ten economic impacts of stress in the workplace without dollar value:

1. It has reduced productivity and efficiency due to absenteeism and presenteeism.
2. They have increased healthcare costs for companies and employees due to stress-related illnesses like anxiety, depression, and heart disease.
3. Higher employee turnover and associated costs, including recruitment and training of new employees.
4. Decreased job satisfaction can lead to low morale, disengagement, and reduced productivity.
5. Legal and compensation costs associated with stress-related workers’ compensation claims and lawsuits.
6. They decreased creativity and innovation due to mental fatigue and burnout caused by chronic stress.
7. Reduced quality of work due to impaired decision-making and cognitive functioning caused by high-stress levels.
8. Increased conflict and tension among coworkers can lead to decreased teamwork and collaboration.
9. Negative impact on customer service and client relationships due to stressed or burned-out employees.
10. Increased risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace due to impaired judgment and decreased concentration caused by stress.

Every day is a fight to get better, starting with being less stressed or none at all. Below is a list of 20 things that can help you relieve stress.

1. Practice mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and developing a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings. Regular meditation practice reduces stress and anxiety levels.
2. Engage in regular exercise or physical activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Regular exercise also reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body.
3. Prioritize sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule: Lack of sleep can increase stress levels and make it more challenging to manage stress. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and good sleep hygiene can help to improve sleep quality.
4. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy and balanced diet includes whole foods, fruits, and vegetables to help reduce inflammation and support overall physical and mental health.
5. Take breaks and time for self-care throughout the day: Short breaks can help reduce stress levels and improve productivity. Engaging in activities that promote self-care, such as taking a warm bath or reading a book, can help to reduce stress.
6. Practice deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels by slowing the heart rate and promoting relaxation.
7. Keep a journal or engage in creative activities: Creative activities such as writing, drawing, or painting can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
8. Prioritize time with loved ones and social connections: Spend time with loved ones and engaging in social activities can help to reduce stress levels and promote feelings of connection and support.
9. Seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals: Talking to someone who understands and can provide support can help manage stress and promote overall mental health.
10. Practice time management and prioritize tasks: Learning to manage time effectively can reduce feelings of stress and overwhelm by helping to break tasks down into manageable pieces.
11. Set realistic goals and break them down into smaller, manageable steps: Setting them can help reduce stress and promote feelings of accomplishment by breaking tasks down into smaller, more achievable steps.
12. Eliminate unnecessary stressors in your environment: Identifying and eliminating unnecessary stressors in your environment, such as clutter or noise, can help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
13. Engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga or massage therapy: Engaging in relaxation techniques such as yoga or massage therapy can help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
14. Take regular breaks from work or other responsibilities: Frequent breaks from work or other commitments can help reduce stress levels and improve productivity.
15. Gratitude and positive thinking: Practicing gratitude and positive thinking may promote a more positive outlook on life and reduce stress.
16. Learn to say “no” when necessary and prioritize boundaries: Learning to say “no” when necessary and prioritize boundaries can help to reduce feelings of overwhelm and promote a more balanced lifestyle.
17. Engage in hobbies or activities that bring joy and relaxation: Engaging in hobbies or activities that bring fun and relaxation can help reduce stress and promote happiness.
18. Seek out humor and laughter in everyday life: Seeking out humor and laughter in everyday life can help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
19. Practice positive self-talk and self-compassion: Practicing positive self-talk and self-compassion can help to reduce feelings of stress and promote overall mental health.
20. Engage in activities that promote personal growth and development, such as learning a new skill or volunteering: Engaging in activities that promote personal growth and development can help to reduce stress levels and promote feelings of accomplishment and personal fulfillment.

Below is a list of 50 books which can help you manage or relieve your stress

Here are 50 recommended books on stress management, categorized for easy reference:

Mindfulness and Meditation

1. “Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness” by Jon Kabat-Zinn
2. “The Mindful Way Through Stress: The Proven 8-Week Path to Health, Happiness, and Well-being” by Shamash Alidina, Juliet Adams, and Michael Chaskalson
3. “Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life” by Jon Kabat-Zinn
4. “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle
5. “Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation: A 28-Day Program” by Sharon Salzberg

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

1. “Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy” by David D. Burns
2. “The Feeling Good Handbook” by David D. Burns
3. “Mind Over Mood, Second Edition: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think” by Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky
4. “The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Anxiety: A Step-by-Step Program” by William J. Knaus
5. “Overcoming Anxiety: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques” by Helen Kennerley

Stress Reduction Techniques

1. “The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook” by Martha Davis, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, and Matthew McKay
2. “The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It” by Kelly McGonigal
3. “The Tao of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff
4. “The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative” by Florence Williams
5. “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living” by Meik Wiking

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

1. “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business” by Charles Duhigg
2. “The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich” by Timothy Ferriss
3. “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest” by Dan Buettner
4. “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change” by Stephen R. Covey
5. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondo

Self-Compassion and Acceptance

1. “Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha” by Tara Brach
2. “The Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive” by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer
3. “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are” by Brené Brown
4. “The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
5. “The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation” by Thich Nhat Hanh

Stress and Health

1. “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: An Updated Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping” by Robert M. Sapolsky
2. “The Relaxation Response” by Herbert Benson
3. “When the Body Says No: Understanding the Stress-Disease Connection” by Gabor Maté
4. “The Healing Power of the Breath: Simple Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety, Enhance Concentration, and Balance Your Emotions” by Richard P. Brown and Patricia L. Gerbarg
5. “Why Am I Still Depressed? Recognizing and Managing the Ups and Downs of Bipolar II and Soft Bipolar Disorder” by Jim Phelps

Workplace Stress

1. “The Stress-Proof Brain: Master Your Emotional Response to Stress Using Mindfulness and Neuroplasticity” by Melanie Greenberg
2. “Your Brain at Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long” by David Rock
3. “Working With You Is Killing Me: Freeing Yourself from Emotional Traps at Work” by Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster
4. “The Healthy Workplace: How to Improve the Well-being of Your Employees — and Boost Your Company’s Bottom Line” by Leigh Stringer
5. “The Burnout Solution: 12 Weeks to a Calmer You” by Siobhan Murray

Stress and Relationships

1. “The Relationship Cure: A 5-Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships” by John Gottman
2. “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
3. “The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict” by The Arbinger Institute
4. “Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most” by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen
5. “Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life” by Marshall B. Rosenberg

Stress and Parenting

1. “The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
2. “No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
3. “Parenting With Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility” by Charles Fay and Foster Cline
4. “Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids” by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross
5. “The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children” by Shefali Tsabary

Stress and Creativity

1. “The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield
2. “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert
3. “The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life” by Twyla Tharp
4. “The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” by Julia Cameron
5. “Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative” by Austin Kleon

References.

• How to Use Your Calendar to be More Productive Everyday. https://www.calendar.com/blog/how-to-use-your-calendar-to-be-more-productive-everyday/
• Isaac Garcia on LinkedIn: #mindfulness. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/isaacgarciapro_mindfulness-activity-7024387484394414080-xXbD
• Hidden in Plain Sight – by Counselor Dan. https://counselordan.substack.com/p/hidden-in-plain-sight
• Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment …. https://www.sportskeeda.com/health-and-fitness/understanding-restless-leg-syndrome-symptoms-causes-treatment-options
• The Ultimate Guide to Boosting Your Immune System. https://the-freely.tistory.com/entry/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Boosting-Your-Immune-System
• Improving Mental Health through Yoga Poses. https://snapyourdreams.com/improving-mental-health-through-yoga-poses/
• Here are 50 books Texas parents want banned from school libraries. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/texas-library-books-banned-schools-rcna12986
• Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life …. https://books.google.com/books/about/Wherever_You_Go_There_You_Are.html?id=-g-OSXrZeYYC
• Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns | Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46674.Feeling_Good
• Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14096.Wherever_You_Go_There_You_Are
• The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment – Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6708.The_Power_of_Now
• The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Anxiety: A Step-by-Step Program …. https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Cognitive_Behavioral_Workbook_for_An.html?id=kW_9-FE_O8MC
• The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and H…. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23281639-the-upside-of-stress
• The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-power-of-habit-charles-duhigg/1103588638
• The 4-Hour Workweek, Expanded and Updated: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere …. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/4-hour-workweek-expanded-and-updated-timothy-ferriss/1100290322?ean=9780307465351
• Gifts of Imperfection – Hazelden. https://www.hazelden.org/HAZ_MEDIA/2545_GiftsofImperfection.pdf
• The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life. https://www.amazon.com/Art-Possibility-Transforming-Professional-Personal/dp/0142001104
• The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Prac…. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/95747.The_Miracle_of_Mindfulness
• When the Body Says No: Understanding the Stress-Disease Connection …. https://books.google.com/books/about/When_the_Body_Says_No.html?id=BBWorCaG_zUC