When stress becomes a problem

Lack of recovery 
Even though stress is natural and harmless, we need to alternate stress with activities, or passive rest, that allow us to slow down. We’re not meant to remain in a constant state of stress indefinitely.  If the level of stress is too high and recovery too limited over time, we may begin to experience stress-related symptoms. 

When we’re stressed, we tend to focus a lot on what is stressing us – and for good reason. The stress response is designed to help us eliminate threats, partly by pushing aside what is not immediately essential and creating tunnel vision to increase our chances of coping with what we face. As a result, it’s easy to forget or deprioritise the very things that give us recovery and energy. This can create a negative spiral where we reduce or remove exactly what we need most when we’re stressed: unstructured time to rest or do things that replenish our energy. 

Stress symptoms
Stress symptoms are signals that we need to slow down. 

• Tiredness and lack of energy, finding it hard to feel rested  
• Hard to take it easy and relax  
• Disturbed sleep   
• Difficulty concentrating and getting things done  
• Poorer memory  
• Rapid heart beat, chest pressure, difficulty breathing  
• Stomach pain, feeling of “butterflies” or a “knot” in the stomach
• Headache  
• Pain and tension in the body 
• Mood instability, irritation   
• Difficulty making decisions
• Indifference 
• Lower self-esteem 
• Depression, worry, anxiety 
• Reduced immune function

You have now read about how stress and our reactions to it can become problematic. Take a moment to reflect on the questions below.

• How do you notice that you’re stressed - what are usually the first signs?
• What do you usually do to manage your stress?
• What advantages and disadvantages can you see in how you currently handle stress?