April 2022. This article is independently written by Shelby Golding. All opinions given are hers. Shelby has been certified as a personal trainer and nutritional specialist since 2007. In 2008, she found her passion for writing about these topics and hasn't looked back.
As the future becomes more and more uncertain, it's more important than ever before to learn to recognize the subtle signs of stress. Your stress levels influence health and happiness. According to a recent Yale study, stress even affects your DNA and will determine longevity. When you reduce stress, your risk of dying from heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression decreases. Keep reading to learn how to recognize stress to take charge of your health and increase your life span.
Subtle Signs of Stress
1. Trouble Concentrating
If you find yourself staring off into space when you need to be working, you might be suffering from stress. Take ten minutes out of your day to meditate or go for a short walk so that you can relieve some of the stress and refocus your attention.
2. Poor Sleep Quality
Breaking the stress-sleep cycle requires a routine. You will be tempted to sleep in or take a nap because you are so exhausted from not sleeping through the night. But this response only worsens the problem. Instead, stick to a regular wake-up and bedtime to get your sleep schedule back on track.
3. Upset Stomach
The parasympathetic system is responsible for behind-the-scenes activities like digestion and waste elimination. Over time, your body's inability to digest can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, and an inability to absorb nutrients.
4. Irregular Cycle Length
Unfortunately, women on contraceptives might not be able to use this subtle sign of stress to diagnose their cortisol levels. Especially since many modern contraceptives get rid of your period altogether.
5. Tooth or Jaw Pain
Over time, a clenching habit can lead to worn or cracked teeth, so you must address it early. Mouthguards are a popular choice for people who grind their teeth in their sleep. In addition, acupuncture, physical therapy, and chiropractic can help you deal with the consequences of long-term grinding and clenching.
6. Poor Short-Term Memory
Because the stress response is related to survival, the only memories the brain is prepared to make are the necessary ones. Advanced learning only happens when you do not feel threatened. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, a well-known technique for dealing with poor short-term memory. You can use it to remember more details and reduce overall stress.
7. Sore Muscles
Tension needs to be removed regularly to prevent muscle pain. Otherwise, it turns into a bigger problem as the pain becomes chronic. One of the easiest ways to relieve tight muscles is to take ten deep breaths into the belly.
Practice Consciousness and Awareness
And when you notice symptoms like pain, don’t ignore them. Instead, use your Kailo pain patch near the site of pain and enjoy a deep, stress-relieving breath. A recent clinical study showed that Kailo is more effective than other prescription and over the counter medications, with no side effects!
Disclaimer: Kailo should not be used if you have a pacemaker or if you are pregnant. Always consult your doctor or health care professional before using Kailo.