8 signs your body is telling you that you need to stop stressing out, according to a psychologist

We often think of stress as something that’s all in our heads, but the truth is, it has a very real impact on our bodies.

If you’ve been feeling run down, on edge, or like you’re constantly juggling too much, your body might be trying to send you a warning signal.

It’s easy to ignore the subtle signs, especially when life keeps demanding more from us. But stress doesn’t just linger in your mind—it shows up in physical ways, often long before we realize what’s happening.

In this article, we’ll explore 8 signs your body is telling you that you need to stop stressing out, backed by insights from psychology. 

Pay attention to these warning signs, because ignoring them can lead to serious health issues down the line.

1) Chronic fatigue

Stress has a knack for draining your energy reserves.

Sure, a little stress can get your adrenaline pumping and give you a temporary energy boost. But when stress becomes chronic, it’s a whole different ballgame.

Chronic stress can leave you feeling perpetually tired, no matter how much sleep you get. It’s like your body is running a marathon without ever getting to the finish line.

This kind of fatigue goes beyond just feeling a bit sleepy. It’s a deep-seated exhaustion that doesn’t seem to let up.

If you’re constantly feeling tired and your doctor has ruled out any other medical conditions, it might be time to consider whether chronic stress is the culprit.

2) Frequent headaches

Another sign that stress might be taking a toll on your body is the occurrence of frequent headaches.

I remember a period in my life when I was juggling a demanding job, family responsibilities, and studying for a professional qualification.

The pressure was intense, and I often found myself with a throbbing headache by the end of the day.

At first, I dismissed it as just a result of too much screen time or not drinking enough water. But as the headaches persisted, I started to realize that it was more than just physical strain. It was stress manifesting itself in a physical form.

If you’re experiencing frequent headaches and there’s no clear medical reason for them, it might be your body’s way of telling you that you’re over-stressed.

Don’t ignore it – take some time to relax and unwind. Your body (and mind) will thank you for it.

3) Digestive issues

Stress doesn’t only mess with your head. It can also wreak havoc on your digestive system.

When you’re stressed, your body enters into the “fight or flight” mode, which can cause your digestive system to slow down or speed up. This can lead to all sorts of unpleasant symptoms like:

• Stomachaches
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Ever heard of the term ‘gut-wrenching’?

It’s derived from the real physical pain in your gut that can be caused by intense stress or fear, known as the gut-brain connection.

It’s not just a figure of speech – it’s a testament to how closely our emotions and digestive system are linked.

4) Sleep disturbances

Good quality sleep is essential for our body to function properly. But when stress levels soar, it’s often our sleep that takes the first hit.

You might:

• Find it difficult to fall asleep
• Wake up frequently during the night
• Experience disturbing dreams

Or, you might find yourself oversleeping as a way of avoiding the stressful reality of your waking life.

If you’re noticing changes in your sleep patterns that can’t be attributed to other factors like diet or physical activity, stress could very well be the culprit.

A lack of sleep can exacerbate stress, creating a vicious cycle. It’s important to address this issue before it spirals out of control.

5) Emotional changes

Isn’t it amazing how our emotions can be so deeply affected by stress?

It can leave us feeling like we’re on an emotional roller coaster, with highs and lows that can be hard to predict.

You might feel irritable, anxious, or depressed. You might find yourself snapping at loved ones, or withdrawing from social activities. You might even feel a sense of hopelessness or despair.

These emotional changes can be hard to admit to ourselves, let alone discuss with others.

But it’s so important to acknowledge them. They’re not a sign of weakness, but a sign that your body is struggling to cope with the stress it’s under.

Please remember, you’re not alone in this. If you’re experiencing any of these emotional changes, reach out for help.

Talk to someone you trust about what you’re feeling. You don’t have to go through this alone.

6) Increased heart rate

I remember this one time when I had a major presentation at work. The stakes were high, and I had been preparing for weeks.

But as the day approached, I noticed my heart pounding in my chest even when I was sitting still. It felt like it was trying to jump right out of my body.

This is what stress can do. It can make your heart rate increase, causing that uncomfortable pounding sensation in your chest.

This is your body’s natural response to perceived danger – but when there’s no actual threat, and the feeling persists, it can be both physically and emotionally distressing.

If you’re experiencing an unusually high heart rate without any strenuous physical activity, it might be a sign that your body is under too much stress.

7) Changes in appetite

Stress can have a significant impact on your appetite, often causing it to fluctuate in unpredictable ways.

For some, stress triggers overeating or emotional eating, where food becomes a comfort or coping mechanism during tough times.

This can lead to consuming more than usual, especially foods that are high in sugar or fat, as a way to soothe emotional distress.

On the flip side, for others, stress can lead to a loss of appetite, making it difficult to even think about food.

You may feel too anxious or overwhelmed to eat, which can lead to skipped meals or an overall decline in nutrition.

Either way, these changes in appetite are your body’s response to stress. It’s as if your body is trying to find a way to cope with the stress and is using food (or the lack of it) as a means of doing so.

8) Difficulty concentrating

Perhaps one of the most telling signs that your stress levels are too high is when you begin to have difficulty concentrating.

Stress can make it hard to focus on tasks at hand, affecting your productivity and performance. You might find yourself zoning out during conversations or forgetting important details that you would normally remember easily.

As stress continues to mount, this inability to concentrate can lead to feelings of frustration and self-doubt, further exacerbating the problem.

In the long run, this can impact your productivity, your relationships, and your overall sense of well-being.

Final thoughts: It’s a call to action

Your body is constantly sending you messages, and when you listen closely, you can prevent stress from taking a serious toll on your health.

Whether it’s fatigue, headaches, or changes in sleep patterns, these symptoms are your body’s way of urging you to slow down and make self-care a priority.

By being more mindful of these signs and taking proactive steps to manage stress, you can protect your health and cultivate a more peaceful, balanced life.

Don’t wait for the warning signs to escalate—take action now, and give yourself the time and care you deserve.