We know what the Physical Signs of Stress are. Most importantly, how can we recognise the Emotional and Behavioural Signs of Stress in ourselves and others? I will explain the signs to look out for, and Ways to Calm the Body and Mind.
Stress is one of the great public health challenges. It still isn’t being taken as seriously as physical health concerns.
Recognising the Emotional signs
When our stress levels become too much, we find everything is a threat to us. Even the simplest of tasks can seem unachievable. Consequently, the more time we spend in our primitive emotional brain, the more we fill our Stress Bucket. Therefore, we are spiralling in a negative cycle.
Signs to look out for are:
- Intrusive, racing, negative thoughts cycling round. Because the primitive brain sees the worst-case scenario to keep you safe. The ‘What if’s’ are there to seemingly ‘protect’ you.
- Overburdened. When work pressure becomes too much. For instance, you can’t switch off and work late. Work / life balance has tipped on the scales.
- Anxious, nervous, or afraid. To clarify again, when the brain sees everything as a threat, our stress levels rise. Physical Signs of Stress are apparent.
- Irritable or aggressive. It is our primitive response to lash out in anger. In the same vein, it is to protect ourselves like early man from rival tribesmen.
- Uninterested in life. Low mood. We can get so caught up in the cycle with our negative thoughts. Therefore, we can’t focus on anything other than our own unhappiness.
- Constant comparison to others. The feelings of not being worthy, we look at comparing ourselves to others.
- Feel like you’ve lost your enjoyment and humour. Likewise, we get caught up in the negative cycle with our own unhappiness.
- Difficulty concentrating. When we operate from the emotional primitive brain, our IQ dips up to 50%. As a result, we struggle to concentrate and experience mind fog.
Some Behavioural signs
Along with the Physical and Emotional signs of stress, there may be some Behavioural traits. They are a coping mechanism to help us stay safe. Albeit often unhelpful to us.
Signs to look over are:
- Constant worrying. Overreacting and projecting anxiety onto things that are out of our control.
- Restless and agitated. The high levels stress keep us on red alert. Therefore, we are looking for the dangers out there, even if they are imagined!
- Avoiding situations. It’s better to stay in our safe place, right? And avoid situations which make us feel uncomfortable.
- Biting your nails. Picking at your skin. Self-harm. In short, when anxious we create habits to cope in the moment. If we cut, nibble, or pick too much, it causes pain. Endorphins are released which flood our system. Subsequently, we temporarily feel better.
- Eating too much or too little. Food is something we need to survive. However, when we in a threat stress situation, our digestion shuts down. Resulting in not being hungry. On the other hand, we can use food to make us feel better. Usually the wrong choices. Sugary, high fat foods, which give a short dopamine hit. This makes us feel rewarded and happier as we get the sugar high. If we struggle to sleep at night, our body craves fuel to keep us going. Therefore, eating more.
- Smoking or drinking alcohol more than usual. These are coping practices, to create feelings of being happier. Or to help you to forget and sleep easier. Both are false perceptions.
- Cheerful or crying. Mixed emotions are common when stressed. Putting on a front and being cheerful to others. Subsequently, sobbing when thoughts become overwhelming.
- Obsessive or compulsive behaviour. Once again, this is an approach to cope with stress. Patterns and rituals are created to keep us safe. If we don’t follow them, then devastating consequences may occur. Who wants to take the risk when everything is perceived as danger?
Ways to Calm the Body and Mind
To calm the Physical, Emotional and Behavioural Signs of Stress, we need to activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System to counterbalance the Sympathetic Nervous System. Therefore, calming the Vagus Nerve. This nerve is a 2-way ‘traffic system’ from the brain to the gut, calling at all our vital organs along the way.
- Breathing techniques are the quickest way to calm the Vagus Nerve. Try this doorframe technique.
- Follow the Five Steps to Wellbeing There is evidence to support that there are five simple steps you can take to improve your mental Wellbeing.
- Practice Self-Care. Taking responsibility in looking after our whole being, both physically, mentally, and socially. When we learn How to Self-Care, then practice daily, we remain healthy, happy, and resilient.
- There are many holistic treatments which can help release the tension in your shoulders and scalp. For instance, Massage, Indian Head Massage, Aromatherapy. I am a beauty and holistic therapist too, so check out my website for more details.
- Getting a good night sleep so your body can heal and repair. If you Can’t get to Sleep have a read for some good tips to help you relax.
Hypnotherapy
We have learned about the Physical, Emotional and Behavioural Signs of Stress. However, if you are finding it difficult to carry out simple daily tasks, and manage your stress bucket, then Hypnotherapy may be the answer.
We can create the change you need in your life, by focusing on the goals which will provide that change.
In sessions we go through lots of coping techniques to promote relaxation.
We can clear the stressful memories stuck in the bucket with a specific program, The Mind Reboot. In other words, we reduce stress levels, release all trauma, resolve anxious & depressive states, re-program emotional triggers, and collapse any limiting beliefs.
In conclusion, I hope you have found the information about the Emotional and Behavioural Signs of Stress useful to you.
Maybe you have concerns about someone you love. We can’t always provide the support we’d like to for those in our care and feeling helpless as we watch them suffer is so hard. If you know someone who needs some help to find their way – maybe, they could talk to me.
Find out if I’m the right therapist to guide you to reduce your stress.
Contact me to book your free initial consultation phone call. I am fully qualified, verified and insured and hold an enhanced DBS.
Supporting you through life stresses to emerge as the person you wish to be…
