Last Updated on November 30, 2023
Experiencing stress can manifest in a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. I find that a lot of my clients don’t realize how stressed they really are and how stress manifests in their bodies, minds, and behaviors… or why that’s so concerning.
As a results-oriented professional, when my clients have stress symptoms it throws red flags for a few reasons.
Long story short, stress symptoms mean the nervous system is imbalanced and cortisol levels are too high. 🚩
When symptoms are present stress and cortisol levels have been too high, for too long to the point where it’s now affecting metabolism, health, mood, and weight. 🚩
When the nervous system and stress hormones are imbalanced, and cortisol is too high – it’ll be more difficult (for them) to burn fat, stay motivated, and feel good until stress levels and cortisol are reduced. That’s because high cortisol levels put you at risk for weight gain, stubborn fat, and obesity.
All of my clients who struggle with stubborn fat or weight loss also struggle with stress and have stress symptoms.
All of my clients who used to be fit/at their goal weight have ended up gaining weight due to stress and now have these red-flag symptoms. 🚩
Do you have symptoms of stress?
How many symptoms do you have?
Take a look at the list of stress symptoms, count your symptoms, and keep reading.
Red Flag Stress Symptoms
Here are 50 common symptoms that indicate someone is experiencing too much stress, cortisol levels are too high, and their nervous system is imbalanced. 🚩
They are:
- Muscle tension or pain
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleep)
- Nightmares
- Having energy swings (tired all day, wide awake all night)
- Trouble falling asleep
- Digestive issues (nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea)
- Chronic bloating
- Changes in appetite (overeating or loss of appetite)
- Headaches or migraines
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Irritability or mood swings
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Depression or feelings of sadness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of motivation
- Changes in libido
- Nail-biting
- Social withdrawal
- Increased ‘self-medicating’
- Crying spells
- Frequent illnesses or infections
- Skin problems (acne, eczema, psoriasis flare-ups)
- Hair loss
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Tense or aching jaw
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
- Excessive sweating
- Feelings of overwhelm
- Difficulty making decisions
- Heightened sensitivity to noise or light
- Excessive worrying or ruminating thoughts
- Sleeping with ‘T-rex’ arms
- Shaking or tapping of feet or hands
- Can’t sit still, always have to be doing something
- “Freeze” behaviors like scrolling on social media for hours, procrastination, lay in bed often
- Seek out stress in unconscious ways (post negative comments/’fight in comments online, watch dramatic shows, being addicted to social media, high screen time, toxic relationships/situationships)
- Changes in menstrual cycles for women
- Emotional / Binge Eating
- Constantly craving sugar or carbs
- Feeling Shaky
- Muscle spasms, especially in the eyelids
- Belly fat
- Chewing on the inside of your mouth
- Picking skin
- Unhealthy, impulsive coping skills like smoking, drug use, drinking, excessive eating, spending money, etc.
Stress symptoms are concerning due to their potential to harm both physical and mental well-being.
If you have more than 5 of the above stress symptoms you (most likely) have elevated cortisol levels and a dysregulated nervous system. 🚩🚩🚩
If so, you should try to reduce stress in your life, especially from your body, as soon as possible to avoid potential health issues.
Chronic stress & stress symptoms left untreated can (eventually) cause major health issues, including metabolic diseases, cardiovascular problems, hormone imbalances, digestive health disorders, weakened immunity, mental health disorders (like anxiety and depression), autoimmune diseases, and even cancer.
Stress also negatively affects cognitive function, relationships, and productivity, while also contributing to sleep disturbances and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Managing stress with effective coping strategies is crucial to prevent long-term consequences and to get the body back in balance so it’s easier to get fit, healthy, and feel good.
But that’s the problem… most ‘coping’ methods, like changing behavior (like diet), or removing stressors can cause more stress. And general advice like ‘think positive’ does NOT remove stress, tension, trauma, and negative emotions from the body.
Somatic Exercises can help bring those levels down quickly and easily.
Somatic Exercises, involve using little-known strategic movements that can release tension, induce relaxation, dramatically lower cortisol levels, balance the nervous system, and alleviate the symptoms in just 4 weeks. Learn more about Somatic Exercises here.
If you have more than 5 symptoms I encourage to you try them! They’re downright delicious and make you feel a lot better in minutes.
Forever rooting for you!
Your Coach & Biggest Cheerleader,
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