7 Signs That Reveal Your Body Is Asking You To Take It Easy

According to the American Psychological Association, levels of burnout and workplace stress are soaring, with a 2021 survey revealing that almost 3 out of 5 workers had experienced negative effects. These included physical fatigue (reported by 44% of respondents) and lack of motivation and energy (reported by more than a quarter of respondents). 

While many of us may try to ignore the physical and mental effects of stress, eventually they will creep up on us, perhaps when we least expect it. The body has its own methods of warning us that we are rapidly approaching burnout – and it would be wise to heed the indications if we want to stay as healthy as possible in mind and body. 

Not sure what to look out for? Here are 7 symptoms that reveal that your body is sending you distress signals and telling you that you need to take your foot off the accelerator.

Aches And Pains

If you regularly feel like you’ve just survived three rounds in the ring with Mike Tyson, despite leading a mostly sedentary lifestyle, then your body could be warning you that you’re suffering from stress. 

You may not realize it but your muscles are probably regularly tensing up and perhaps even spasming, due to chronic levels of tension triggered by a rise in cortisol. This causes those troublesome pains and can even lead to flare-ups of more serious conditions such as arthritis. People who stand around or walk a lot may experience pain and discomfort in their feet, ankles, or lower legs due to constant strain on muscles and joints. The doctors over at Chelsea Foot & Ankle advise patients to pay attention to early signs of inflammation or stiffness, as addressing these issues promptly can prevent long-term complications. They often recommend targeted stretches, proper footwear, and regular checkups to maintain healthy mobility. By taking proactive measures, patients can significantly reduce discomfort and improve their overall quality of life.

Difficulty Concentrating

A common symptom of anxiety and stress is an inability to concentrate, which can wreak havoc if you have an important deadline looming – thereby making your stress even worse. Talk about vicious cycles!

Difficulty focusing is a result of the exhausting physical and mental effects of the body’s anxiety responses, which make it hard for our minds to stay on track. If your body’s fight or flight response has been activated by stress, you will quickly become physically and mentally drained, which will make it harder to expend mental energy on concentration. 

Alternatively, you may be able to focus – but not on the things you need to think about. Instead, anxiety can cause a constant stream of negative thoughts to run through your mind, making it hard to concentrate on more mundane subjects, such as work. 

A Stiff Neck

A lot of the tension caused by stress can become concentrated in our neck and shoulders, particularly if you spend a lot of time sitting hunched over a desk. 

Experiencing regular stiffness and pain in your neck can indicate that you are experiencing persistent tension and anxiety and could be in danger of burnout.

Stomach Trouble 

The cocktail of hormones produced by stress can wreak havoc on our digestive systems, causing everything from diarrhoea, cramps, and constipation to painful stomach ulcers. 

Of course, stomach problems can also be caused by other underlying conditions, some of which can be severe. As a result, if you have been struggling with digestive issues, it’s important that you go to your doctor to get checked out. 

Depending on your symptoms, they may recommend that you undergo a full body MRI to determine the root cause of your digestive woes. MRI screening provided by specialists such as Ezra can provide a comprehensive look at what’s going on underneath the surface, and will hopefully rule out anything serious. 

Feeling On Edge 

One of the most unpleasant and exhausting side effects of stress is that constant sensation of agitation and anxiety that sends our heart rate spiking and prevents us from truly relaxing – even when we are absolutely exhausted. If you have been experiencing this persistent fight or flight sensation, it’s as clear a sign as any that your body is begging you to slow things down. 

You Keep Getting Sick

When we are healthy, strong, and well-rested, our immune systems function at their highest levels of efficiency. 

On the other end of the spectrum, when our bodies have become depleted and worn down by overwork, our immune systems become weaker and less capable of fending off invading viruses and bacteria – which means we tend to get sick more often. 

If you are regularly struggling with colds and other bugs, no matter how minor, it could be an indication that your body is nearing the end of its tether.

Fatigue 

When you feel tired and heavy all the time, no matter how many hours of sleep you are getting each night, this can be seen as a clear indication that something is wrong. 

Common causes of fatigue include stress and anxiety. However, if relentless fatigue is becoming an issue, you should make sure you get checked out for these other physical triggers, to make sure there is no other underlying factor at work. 

Take Your Foot Off The Pedal

Have you been experiencing any or even all of these symptoms? If so, then it’s likely that your body is begging you to start slowing down and finding a healthier balance. 

While this can be easier said than done, it’s important that you find sustainable ways to relax and help your body recover from stress, so you can look forward to a brighter and healthier future.