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| Path: Main Street > Resources/Library > Research Articles > Feature Article |
Signs of Stress (S.O.S.)
By Kristin Duare McKinnon, HBSW, MSW
April 14, 2008
In this month's column, we look at some of the warning signs that the stress in your life may be getting out of control. In next month's column I will share some strategies for coping with such stress and staying healthy.
Warning signs of the mind
Negative thinking - Do you complain constantly about people or situations, but do nothing to bring about change? Are you more cynical than you used to be? Do you have a hard time seeing anything positive in life?
Extreme, exaggerated or misplaced emotional reactions - Do you overreact emotionally to minor situations? Do pent-up emotions boil to the surface at the slightest provocation?
Getting away physically, but not mentally - Are you always thinking or talking about that negative situation, no matter where you are or what you're doing? Have you lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy because you can't get it out of your mind?
Giving up and giving in - Is your focus just to get through the day? Do life's obstacles seem insurmountable? Does even the most minor glitch leave you deflated and defeated?
Agitation and loss of concentration - Do you always feel agitated and rushed? Are you behind in everything? Are you making more mistakes than you used to? Are you losing, forgetting or bumping into things more often?
Warning signs of the body
Eating changes - Have your eating habits suffered? Are you eating more junk food and skipping meals because you just don't have the time?
Sleeping changes - Does it take you longer to fall asleep? Do you wake up too early? Is getting up in the morning a challenge?
Fatigue and lack of energy - Do you always feel tired, even when you do get a good night's sleep?
Out of shape - Are you out of shape because you have not kept up with your exercise routine?
Physical symptoms - Are you experiencing new physical symptoms, like headaches and body aches?
Frequent illness - Are you getting sick more often that usual? Does it take you longer to shake a bug when you get it?
Developing bad habits - Are your bad habits worsening? Are you smoking or drinking more? Drinking more coffee?
Warning signs of the soul
Family stress - Are you experiencing stress in your family because you are never home or always preoccupied? Do you catch yourself snapping at your spouse or children for no reason? Is time spent with your family always rushed, stressful and focused on what needs to be done rather than just enjoying one another's company?
Neglect of other relationships - Have you lost touch with family and friends? Have you stopped going to church or other community events that used to be important to you? If you are still in touch, are you enjoying these encounters less because you're always thinking of what's next on your 'to do' list? Has what used to be meaningful to you become yet another 'must do'?
Kristin writes for Community Living Kawartha Lakes; for more of her articles visit the Community Living website at www.communitylivingkl.ca. Please read her disclaimer.
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