One in three people across the UK report struggling with high or extreme levels of stress, but experts are warning that not enough people know when to take a break.
This April marks Stress Awareness Month, which aims to increase public awareness of the causes, effects, and management of stress. In light of this month, Raj Bassi, CBT therapist at Midland Health, shares the importance of knowing when to pause and the signs that suggest you might need to.
Frequent illness
It’s easy to brush off illness as a change in the weather or say it’s due to contact with others, but having frequent headaches, stomach problems, and feeling run-down can actually be stress physically manifesting itself. When your body is under stress for a long time, your immune system can feel weaker, making you more susceptible to colds, infections, and fatigue.
Restlessness
When you’re stressed, it can be difficult to switch off. You may find yourself constantly fidgeting, unable to focus on one task, or feeling a sense of general unease.
Poor sleep
Stress can lead to difficulties sleeping through the night or falling back asleep when woken up. And, if you wake up much earlier than usual, it could also be a symptom of stress. Stress causes your mind to be more alert, and the production of cortisol, known as the stress hormone, affects your sleep-wake cycle.
Forgetting things easily
Having a worse memory than usual is a key sign you may need to take a break, as it’s hard for your brain to make short-term memories when stressed. You might misplace things, forget conversations, or struggle to concentrate on tasks.
Change in eating habits
If you’re eating much more or much less than usual, skipping meals or indulging more, it could be a stress response. Cravings, especially for sugary or high-fat foods, can also increase, as your body seeks quick sources of energy.
It’s worth noting that these symptoms can overlap with other health conditions, so if you’re unsure, you should seek professional advice.
Raj Bassi said: “Prioritising your mental health isn’t selfish; it’s essential. It can improve your well-being, help prevent burnout, and allow you to maintain a balanced work and social life. A mental health break doesn’t have to be a week-long holiday; it can be as simple as taking a step back from a stressful situation and engaging in activities that help you to recharge.
“This is where micro-breaks can be really useful to reduce stress, as they’re a way to ground yourself and quietly reset. A micro-break is anything from a short walk to meditation to deep breathing that gives you some time to yourself. It’s a vital way to recharge and reset, usually spent outside in nature or in a quiet place.
“It’s also important to understand exactly what causes your stress and work on them at the source. Common stressors include financial pressures, work-related or relationship issues, and health problems. By understanding what causes you to stress, you can address these issues, alone or, preferably, with the help of a professional. It’s wise to reach out for support early, rather than waiting until symptoms become overwhelming.”
