8 Signs of Hidden Stress

08/27/2012

Stress can weigh us down in ways that we don’t even realize. We know that it makes us feel anxious and sometimes overwhelmed, but it also has an overall impact on the big picture. The mind body impact of stress is apparent upon closer examination. Not sure what signs to look for when pegging your stress level? 

Here are some hidden signs of too much stress:

1. Dry mouth

Too much stress can lead to the abuse of stimulants like coffee and wine which also lead to dehydration. Notice if you’re spending too much time downing coffee and too little drinking water.

2. Twitching eye lids

Twitching eye lids are a symptom of adrenal fatigue, which is caused by stress. The adrenals are responsible for moderating stress response throughout the body. Located just above the kidneys, they control the production of hormones including DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. Cortisol is the most important hormone associated with stress and the adrenals. 

3. Lack of Productivity

When we’re over stressed it can actually cause us to feel overwhelmed so that we get even less done. If you can’t focus on the task at hand and rather worry about the inordinate amount of things that you have to get done, then productivity begins to suffer.

4. Cuts and Bruises

Photo: Digital Vision

When we're stressed out the blood supply is redirected to essential organs and the blood thickens. As a result of this hidden stress reaction, if you cut yourself you bleed less. Additionally, the body also releases endorphins which lessen pain associated with cuts and bruises. Therefore, cuts and bruises may appear and you don't even know from where they came. 

5. Itchy Skin and Rashes

According to dermatologist Dr Robin Russell-Jones: "A lot of common skin conditions like eczema become worse under stress. Hence, when people are on holiday, their skin improves. And sometimes people itch and scratch for no obvious reason when under stress." Your skin is the body's largest organ, so a stress reaction becomes apparent. 

6. Cravings

Often times when we’re stressed we crave comfort foods because we subconsciously need grounding. We may also crave carbohydrates because the body needs that extra boost of serotonin to relieve stress.

7. Sore Mouths

Often times the body will send a signal with sores in the mouth in the form of canker sores, cold sores, or a swollen mouth. This is your body saying it needs a break from the overstimulation that it’s currently experiencing. 

8. Tightness in the Jaw

Photo: Thinkstock

If you wake up and your jaw feels tight you may be grinding your teeth at night. This is a sign of additional stress. You could also be clenching your jaw muscles. Consciously loosen your jaw muscles and begin to notice when teeth grinding and jaw clenching begin. 

Photo: Thinkstock

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Comments

[Ilovemusic100]

This is a great list. Very good information.

[Ellen]

I had bruise and i suspect its for stress. Tx