If you're feeling tired, irritable, or just plain out of sorts, there's a good chance that stress is taking its toll. From daily commitments to financial uncertainty and social pressure, most of us deal with some level of stress. But when that stress becomes persistent and overwhelming, it can turn into a bigger problem: overstress.

Stress vs. Overstress: What's the difference?

Stress is a normal reaction to difficult situations, but overstress occurs when these situations last for a long time and the body no longer has the capacity to cope. If ordinary stress is like an alarm that goes off to warn you, overstress is like living with an alarm that never stops.

For example, preparing for an exam can be stressful, but once the exam is over, the stress goes away. Meanwhile, a fast-paced job with constant deadlines can lead to overstress because the body doesn't have time to recover.

Causes of overstress

Overstress can be caused by various factors, such as:

            • Chronic illness

            • Financial problems or loss of a job

            • Family or marital conflicts

            • Heavy workload and lack of rest

            • Feeling of uncertainty and unpredictability

If you're going through a long stressful period and feel like you're not able to recover, it may be time to take a step back and assess the situation.

Signs that show you are overstressed

If you're not sure if you're just stressed or overstressed, these are some of the main signs to consider:

1. Sleep problems

If you're stressed, you might have a few restless nights. But if you have persistent sleep problems, like insomnia or frequent nighttime awakenings, then overstress could be the main culprit.

2. Constant anxiety and irritability

A certain level of anxiety is normal when you're stressed, but overstress can worsen this feeling, making you more irritable and sensitive to ordinary situations.

3. Frequent headaches

If you are experiencing headaches more often than usual, especially after a busy day, it is very likely that excessive stress is the cause.

4. Digestive problems

Stress can affect your digestive system, causing stomach pain, bloating, or changes in appetite. If you've noticed that you're dealing with these symptoms frequently, you should think about ways to manage stress.

5. Rapid heartbeat

In moments of stress, your heart may beat faster, but when this happens consistently even when you're calm, it may be a sign of overstress that is affecting your body.

6. Skin problems

If you've noticed that your skin is breaking out with acne or irritation for no apparent reason, stress could be the cause. Stress releases hormones that can worsen skin problems.

7. Decreased immune system

If you get sick often or feel constantly tired, overstress may have reduced your body's ability to fight infections.

8. Chronic pain

Long-term stress can contribute to persistent body pain, especially in the back, shoulders, and neck.

9. Decreased sexual desire

Constant stress can affect hormone production and, as a result, reduce the desire for intimacy.

10. Unexplained fatigue

Even when you sleep well and don't do much physical activity, you can still feel exhausted if you're dealing with excessive stress.

How to manage stress?

If you've noticed some of these signs in yourself, it's important to find ways to manage stress before it seriously affects your health. Some strategies that may help include:

Take regular breaks – Even a few minutes away from work can help.

Take deep breaths and practice meditation – Relaxation techniques help reduce stress.

Set boundaries – Don't overload yourself with commitments and learn to say "no."

Do physical activity - Exercise helps release endorphins, reducing stress.

Take care of your sleep – Establish a regular routine and avoid screens before bed.

Get enough sleep and eat healthy – Your body needs good energy to cope with stress.

Talk to someone – Talking to friends, family, or a therapist can help immensely.

Stress is a part of life, but it shouldn't take over. If you're experiencing constant stress, don't ignore it. Take care of yourself and find ways to manage it before it affects your well-being!