Signs of stress
More info
Stress can show up in different ways, both in your body and in your mind. It can affect your thoughts, making them chaotic and it can affect your attention, making it hard to focus. You might feel anxious, nervous, frustrated, overwhelmed, tired, or like you’re carrying a heavy weight. Your heart might race, or feel like it’s pounding. You could experience tension in your muscles, especially in your neck, shoulders, or back. Some people feel tightness in their chest or a knot in their stomach. You might also notice headaches, sweating, or feeling dizzy. Stress can even mess with your sleep, making it hard to relax or fall asleep at night. Recognizing these signs is the first step in understanding and managing your stress.
It’s important to recognize these signs so you can take action to manage them.
Detailed info
Stress Thermometer (quick check-in)
Imagine a thermometer from 0 to 10.
0 = totally calm
10 = completely overwhelmed
Ask yourself: “Where am I right now?”
If the number is 7 or higher, that’s a sign to pause and use a coping tool (stretch, short walk, talk to someone, music, etc.).
This exercise builds a simple habit of noticing stress level daily.
Signs of stress
Insight
Stress can show up in different ways, both in your body and in your mind. It can affect your thoughts, making them chaotic and it can affect your attention, making it hard to focus. You might feel anxious, nervous, frustrated, overwhelmed, tired, or like you’re carrying a heavy weight. Your heart might race, or feel like it’s pounding. You could experience tension in your muscles, especially in your neck, shoulders, or back. Some people feel tightness in their chest or a knot in their stomach. You might also notice headaches, sweating, or feeling dizzy. Stress can even mess with your sleep, making it hard to relax or fall asleep at night. Recognizing these signs is the first step in understanding and managing your stress.
It’s important to recognize these signs so you can take action to manage them.
Practice
Stress Thermometer (quick check-in)
Imagine a thermometer from 0 to 10.
0 = totally calm
10 = completely overwhelmed
Ask yourself: “Where am I right now?”
If the number is 7 or higher, that’s a sign to pause and use a coping tool (stretch, short walk, talk to someone, music, etc.).
This exercise builds a simple habit of noticing stress level daily.