Do you feel like you’re running on empty? It can be exhausting to always feel stressed and stretched thin. However, it’s not unnatural to feel this way from time to time. Stress and other overwhelming feelings are natural human responses to situations that are challenging or new for us. When stress is short-lived and manageable, it doesn’t pose a threat to our physical and mental well being. We may even find stress helpful because it spurs us into action, forcing us to meet challenges head on. But when stress becomes prolonged or overly intense — known as “life-stressors” — we can no longer cope with the strain and our ability to function normally is compromised. Whether it is from work, school, home life, friends or family members, stress comes in all shapes and sizes. A hectic lifestyle can bring about numerous stressors that leave us feeling overwhelmed on a regular basis. If you find yourself experiencing any of the following stressors more than usual, take a step back and evaluate your current situation:
Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep is one of the most common sources of stress, especially among college students. This may be due to the fact that many students do not get enough sleep, or they may have sleeping problems such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, having unusual dreams, waking too early, or sleeping too long. According to an article published by the National Sleep Foundation, 36% of college students report problems falling asleep, and another 33% report waking up during the night. Sleep deprivation can be a source of stress for a number of reasons. If we do not get enough sleep, we are more likely to become irritable and crave carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain. Sleep deprivation can also affect how we think and how we make decisions. It can decrease our ability to concentrate and make us more prone to errors. Sleep deprivation can also affect our health. People who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to become sick, and may be more likely to develop chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes. Sleep deprivation has also been linked to weight gain and metabolic changes, as well as lower levels of physical fitness.
Relationship stress
A relationship can be a source of support, inspiration, and love, but it can also bring a lot of stress into your life. Whether you’re in a romantic relationship or have a close friend or family member in your life, relationship stress can creep up when you have trouble communicating your needs or are in disagreement with the person you are close to. Relationship stress often stems from a fear of being vulnerable. You may find yourself feeling stressed about a relationship if there’s something you really want but feel too shy or embarrassed to ask for, or if you feel like you are not getting enough attention or quality time from your significant other. Relationship stress can also occur if you have trouble communicating your thoughts and feelings to the person you’re close to. If you find yourself feeling stressed about a relationship, it’s important to remember that it’s normal to experience some level of stress in any relationship.
Chronic illness or pain
If you have a chronic illness, such as diabetes, fibromyalgia, or a severe allergy, you may feel overly stressed about your condition. Chronic pain, such as joint pain or migraines, can also cause an excess of stress. Having a condition that requires frequent doctor visits and a strict daily routine can put a lot of stress on you. If you suffer from a chronic illness or pain, you may find yourself worrying about how it will affect your ability to work or go to school. You may also feel self-conscious or embarrassed about being seen in public because you’re using an assistive device such as crutches or a wheelchair. If you’re experiencing an excessive amount of stress related to your condition, you may want to consider seeking help from a mental health professional.
Career pressures
Career pressures can come from a number of sources, including unrealistic expectations placed on you by your employer or deadlines that demand long hours, financial pressures and not feeling appreciated in your work environment. Career stress can also occur if you are not pursuing your true passion in life with the goal of bringing joy into the world.
Being overly responsible for others
Being overly responsible for others can cause a great deal of stress. People may expect you to be a shoulder to lean on, and you may feel obligated to be there for them. If you feel like you have too many responsibilities and not enough time to complete them, you may feel extremely stressed and overwhelmed. While it’s ok to help others out from time to time, being overly responsible for others can be unhealthy for you and can cause resentment.
Conclusion
Stress comes in many forms, and it’s very common for people to feel overwhelmed from time to time. The key to handling stress is to identify where it’s coming from and then take steps to manage it. Knowing the signs that you are overloaded and feeling overwhelmed, and taking action to find balance can go a long way in helping you live a healthier and more productive life. That being said, not all stress is bad. It’s important to remember that stress is a normal part of life, and it’s something we all experience. It’s important to manage your stress levels so they don’t negatively affect your health and well-being.