In these trying times, saying things like – don’t stress, relax, calm down – are easier said than done. We are surrounded by negative news and uncertain circumstances, and stress is sadly, inevitable. You might not know it, but your mental stress slowly creeps up in the body as well. Luckily, your body does not keep quiet and exhibits signs to draw your attention.
1. Unusual weight loss/gain
Stress tampers with our stress hormone, cortisol, which changes the way we metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This can lead to weight gain or loss, as it may lead you to overeat or undereat.
How to fix it: Have nuts as snacks. The proteins in it will help if you’re undereating, and the fibre will keep you full if you’re overeating.
2. Finding it difficult to concentrate
Once your cortisol levels are up, it becomes harder to concentrate, remember things, and experience anxiety and feeling of depression.
How to fix it: Lie down, relax, and focus on your breathing. Do this until you regain your focus.
3. Hives
Stress triggers another chemical in the body called histamine, which in turn triggers hives. Your body immunity also decreases which increases your sensitivity to things like heat or lotions.
How to fix it: Placing a cool, damp cloth over the affected area will do the job, if not, it’s imperative to see a doctor.
4. Sharp headaches
A rather common outcome of stress, it is only natural for your muscles to tense up under stress, causing a pounding head. If you’re prone to migraine, then stress is your biggest enemy, as it can make it worse.
How to fix it: Inhaling lavender, be it a scented candle, essential oil, or essence stick will help. You may also dab peppermint oil mixed with a carrier oil on your temples to ease the shooting pain.
5. Bad gut
Stress sends confusing signals to your gut, leading to more acid production. The repercussions? Acidity, gas, heartburn, bloating, cramping, and diarrhoea.
How to fix it: Taking an antacid or drinking ginger tea will help settle the outburst in the stomach.
6. Hair loss
If you’re noticing more than usual hair loss, then without a doubt, it’s due to stress. Be it an upcoming exam, or a stressful job, a lot of people experience this. Since the body’s immunity and digestion is under attack during stress, the required nutrients and protein do not reach the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
How to fix it: Regular oiling might help with the hair fall. But, be patient, once your stress levels are back to normal, your hair will stop shedding.
7. Sudden acne
Stress, along with all the above-discussed things, causes acne too. Cortisol, the mentioned stress hormone causes the skin glands to make more oil. So, along with dirt and dead skin cells, the oil gets trapped in the hair follicles, resulting in pimples galore!
How to fix it: Applying creams with benzoyl peroxide will help clear up acne when applied regularly. You may also consult a dermatologist if the problem does not subdue.
These remedies can help fix the signs of stress, but what about stress itself?
Engage in any mindfulness activity every day – be it colouring, meditation, listening to calming music, anything you like. Something that can take away or at least reduce the load on your head.
Avoiding stress may be impossible, but handling it well is surely possible!
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