Eight Signs That Your Body Is Under Pressure

Learning how to recognize the signs that your body is under stress can help you deal with it.
Eight Signs That Your Body Is Under Pressure
Gema Sánchez Cuevas

Written and verified by the psychologist Gema Sánchez Cuevas.

Last update: 20 October, 2022

You tend to assume that being under pressure is something that you’d have no trouble recognizing. In fact, you’re taught that when you can no longer deal with a certain emotion or action, you’ll be aware of it, and manage to eliminate or control it.

However, there are many times when you’re so absorbed and focused on achieving a certain goal or overcoming daily obstacles that you don’t realize that you’re under pressure. Indeed, with the help of your mind, you block out the warning signs.

“The truth is that there is no actual stress or anxiety in the world, it’s your thoughts that create these false beliefs.”

-Wayne Dyer-

Signs that indicate you’re under pressure

When stress starts to appear, your body will begin to send you signals in the form of symptoms. Although you may believe that these aren’t important, it’s advisable to listen to them, reflect on their origin, their ‘what for’, and how you can stop them.

Woman overwhelmed and under pressure

No doubt you’ll agree that sleeping little or eating junk food every day isn’t the healthiest way to live and develop as a human being. In fact, they’re clear signs that something isn’t working in your lifestyle.

In this article, we’re going to talk about the eight main signs that indicate your body is under pressure. It’s advisable to bear these symptoms in mind, particularly if you find that several of them appear at the same time.

1. You sleep and rest little

Rest is vital for your physical and inner body. If it’s difficult for you to fall asleep, you only sleep lightly, or you have nightmares and don’t feel rested when you wake up, you’re probably under significant stress.

“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”

-Ovid-

2. You feel tired during the day 

You find you need more hours than you have in your normal day for your mind, heart, and spirit to truly rest. If you’re not able to enjoy a feeling of total rest, something is wrong.

3. You get sick frequently 

When your body is under high levels of stress, your immune system is greatly affected and suffers. This means you tend to contract common diseases more easily and feel weakened.

4. You suffer from muscle pain

woman under pressure

When you’re subjected to strong pressure, your body tenses, presenting significant muscle contractions in your neck and back. This tension can be relieved by practicing relaxation exercises and light sports.

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.”

-Mark Black-

5. You’re worried throughout the day

If you find you just can’t stop worrying, ask yourself why. If you’re constantly thinking about and analyzing certain situations in your life that, in themselves, are causing you discomfort, there’s more to this situation than meets the eye. In fact, you’re probably under pressure and stress.

In this case, you need to disconnect as soon as possible. Consider taking a vacation or time off when you can.

6. You experience difficulty in managing everyday stress

This is an obvious symptom that pressure is affecting you. Finding yourself in a situation that’s draining you of a lot of ongoing energy can lead you to not be able to control yourself in the smallest of things.

Right now, you’re at the mercy of your uncontrollable emotions, and at any moment you’re likely to burst into tears or get angry. This is one of the main indicators that your body is under too much pressure and subject to inner wear and tear.

Overwhelmed man in front of a mirror

7. You feel the need to eat junk food

Increased stress leads you to raise the levels of cortisol in your body. This makes you feel the need and desire to consume foods and drinks rich in sugars and saturated fats.

8. You have digestive problems

One of the main destinations of the symptoms of stress is the digestive system. It’s true that stomach pains can be of different origins. However, in times of great stress and nerves, stomach pains increase considerably.

Indeed, your digestive system is extremely sensitive  to high-pressure situations suffered by your body.

 


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.