Five warnings signs that you might be too stressed

Kirsty Mason on 17 May 2018
Pug looking concerned

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year, the focus is on stress. Here are some important signs to look out for and ways you can manage your stress so that you stay healthy.

The exam period is a difficult time of year and it’s perfectly normal to be feeling stressed. But if you feel like everything is getting on top of you, here are the warning signs that you need to look out for and how to deal with them.

Suffering from insomnia

Stress affects the way we sleep and in turn, lack of sleep affects the way we think. A survey of university students found that lack of sleep was associated with negative thoughts. Although it’s not yet clear which has the core effect, lack of sleep is sure to worsen how you’re feeling and being stressed makes your brain go into over-drive at nighttime.

If you’re suffering from insomnia, then contact your GP. They can give you advice and may suggest methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy.

Here are some quick tips to help you wind down and get some shut-eye after a stressful day:

  • Put some lavender spray on your pillow: not only does it smell like floral heaven, it relaxes you and helps you sleep.
  • Meditation: Many people find this is a gift sent from heaven when it comes to beating insomnia and reducing stress.
  • Inhale and exhale slowly: If all else fails, simple breathing exercises help to slow down your heart rate, making you feel more relaxed and able to sleep.

Source: Giphy

Experiencing a change in eating habits

You may find yourself uninterested in food, or alternatively, you may find yourself craving high-fat, sugary content. This is because the hormone ‘cortisol’ is increased when you’re stressed. Despite these cravings, it’s important to continue eating healthy and stick to three meals a day, even when you’re up to your eyeballs in revision. Your health comes first and it will ultimately make revision more productive if you’re eating your five greens a day.

Source: Giphy

Frequently getting colds/infections

Being stressed has a negative impact on your immune system as it suppresses your immunity, making it more likely that you'll catch an illness, and harder for you to fight off anything you’ve caught. This can also lead to headaches, which is a commonly reported effect of stress. To help ease headaches, try dabbing lavender oil on your temples.

Source: Giphy

Feeling irritable

You may find yourself feeling particularly irritable and snapping at your friends. One useful way of calming these emotions is practising mindfulness. Some free apps include ‘10% Happier’ and ‘Breethe’.

Source: Giphy

Feeling demotivated/low energy

Feeling demotivated is the worst thing that can happen during exam time but stress often results in low energy and feeling unable to do anything. Exercising regularly, eating healthily and using tactics to ensure you get a good night's sleep are all factors that are within your control and can lead to you feeling less stressed and able to focus on work without feeling overwhelmed.

Check out these ‘10 Stress Busters’ to help you deal with your stress.

If the above doesn’t work for you (which is fine), you may want to try an anxiety control audio guide. Try a few things and find out what works best for you but whatever you do, don't forget: you've got this.

How are you staying on top of your stress levels? Join the Student Hut Community today and get access to exclusive tips, tricks and paid surveys. You'll get 1000 reward points for signing up.

Kirsty Mason
Kirsty Mason on 17 May 2018