There are a lot of psychological ways to tell if you’re stressed, but did you know there are physical signs your body will give you as well?
1. Acne
When you’re stressed, your body can produce a hormone called cortisol. This, unfortunately, clogs your pores and causes breakouts, according to dermatologist Dhaval G. Bhanusali.
2. Red Face
If you notice your face is getting red when you’re not exerting any type of energy, this could be stress-induced flushing.
«It has to do with increased heart rate, respiration, perspiration, and stress,» Dr. Nikki Martinez says. «This will turn you bright red because the body is not operating at a level of homeostasis, where it is able to cool itself.»
3. Constant Exhaustion
Feeling tired all the time when you’re not doing anything necessarily strenuous can be a sign of stress. Dr. Stephen Wander says this unique tiredness is called adrenal fatigue, which happens when your adrenal glands become overrun with cortisol.
4. Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common sign of stress, whether it’s a little extra shedding in the shower, or a more severe level of loss which causes noticeably thinner hair all over your scalp. But Bhanuasli says it can all grow back once you deal with your stress.
5. Blood Sugar Feels Low
Yet again, elevated cortisol levels can leave you feeling weak, hungry, and overall irritable. These are often signs of low blood sugar and may be why you feel the need to stress-eat.
6. The Shakes
When you build up too much stress in your body, it can be released in the form of jitteriness, according to Dr. Martinez. If you reach for something and notice your hands start to tremble, that could be a sign.
7. Fainting Spells
If your blood pressure gets too low, you can suffer from what Dr. Martinez says is called syncope, or fainting spells. This is why you can feel woozy if you’re over-stressed.
8. Aches and Pains
You may not realize it, but when you’re stressed your body language is different. Clenched jaw, stiff back, and raised shoulders are all common ways we hold our bodies when stressed, especially when we internalize it all. This can lead to tension headaches, and overall aches and pains in your body.
9. Dark Eyes
«You look tired» is another way of saying «you look stressed.» Stress can cause wrinkles and overall haggardness on your face and speed up the aging process (no thank you!)
10. You’re Always Sick
«Your resiliency, energy, endurance and your quality of life all depend on your adrenals to properly function,» says Dr. Carolyn Dean. Stress wears down all your body’s defenses, leaving your body susceptible to germs.
11. Jaw Soreness
«Stress can manifest itself in the form of clenching or grinding (bruxing) your teeth,» says cosmetic dentist Mark Helm. It can ruin your dental health, but it can also cause overall jaw soreness.
Have you noticed any of these symptoms in your body?
