In 2011, The Patron of the Malaysian Psychiatric Association (MPA) found that 11% of Malaysians struggled with depression and anxiety. In 2017, that number spiked to 29%. Since the pandemic started in 2020, numerous studies have been conducted to assess the impact on Malaysian citizens.
University Pendidikan Sultan Idris revealed how 70% of its respondents agreed that since the outbreak, their anxiety levels have increased – common physical symptoms include fatigue, headaches, mood swings, and even shortness of breath
Anxiety and stress are closely connected, except that stress is the body’s reaction to an external trigger, whereas anxiety is the body’s reaction to the stress. Typically, symptoms of anxiety and stress overlap.
A common cause of anxiety and stress is work. In Japan, there’s even a term for anxiety and stress resulting from work: karoshi. It means death caused by overwork and stress. Yes, it’s true: chronic stress can lead to heart disease, stress-induced seizures, strokes, and more.
In order to avoid karoshi, here are 8 telltale signs that you’re stressed.
1# Acne (Even If You’re Not Prone To Acne)
If you wake up one day with your face covered in pimples and you’re pretty sure it’s not triggered by any allergens, the blame falls on stress.
This is often due to a hormone called cortisol that’s secreted to combat stress. Unfortunately, it causes overproduction of oil in the hair follicles.
So, don’t be surprised if you wake up with acne in your 30s! If you’re currently battling acne, then here are 4 Ways To Help Clear Your Acne Naturally.
2# Uncharacteristic Digestive Problems
Considering how stress affects your physiological system, it’s unsurprising that stress can lead to gastrointestinal or digestive problems such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and the likes.
By making small and gradual changes in your lifestyle, you can alleviate all stress-related digestive problems.
Our top three tips would be: eat balanced meals in smaller portions at regular intervals, don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water daily and try to exercise regularly.
3# Sudden Weight Gain
While you’d assume that digestive problems lead to weight loss, the opposite is also true. That pesky hormone cortisol can actually make you feel hungrier during times of stress.
These increased levels of stress will, in turn, increase your insulin levels and cause a drop in blood sugar levels.
As a result, you will crave more junk food or just any type of food that’s fatty and/ or sugary. You can learn how to curb sugar cravings and snack healthy through our other articles – phew!
4# Random (& Chronic) Body Aches & Pain
According to Jay Winner, author of Stress Management Made Simple, “When you are stressed, your body produces hormones that increase muscle tension and pain sensitivity”.
In fact, a study found that the participants involved who were experiencing chronic pain had higher levels of cortisol. If you’re feeling tight within your body then try loosening up those tight muscles with these easy full-body stretches or these simple seated yoga stretches.
You could even make yourself this homemade pain relief balm.
5# Frequent Headaches & Migraines
Have you ever experienced a tension headache? Usually, a tension headache is accompanied by sharp and/ or dull pain, pressure at the back of the head, and/ or pressure at the neck.
This study proves how stressful events preceded the development of chronic headaches.
6# Sleep Deprivation
It’s a given that stress can affect sleep. A lesser-known fact is that insufficient sleep will weaken your immunity. The consequence of tossing & turning in bed is that you become more susceptible to colds. You can try sleeping in early. Alternatively, try doing Yoga or keep your immunity high with lots of fruits and vegetables.
7# Freaky Hair Loss
The reason you start losing hair when stressed is due to most of the aforementioned signs, particularly poor dietary habits and lack of sleep. It’s not uncommon for people to start losing hair weeks or, sometimes, months after a stressful event.
This is known as ‘telogen effluvium’ which occurs when a lot of hair is in the resting phase for 3 to 4 months before it falls out and gets replaced by new strands of hair.
The good news? If you are able to address the stressful event, your hair growth cycle will resume as normal. Eating healthy food will help your hair stay healthy and strong as well.
8# Feeling Nothing But Blue
Serotonin is the much-loved hormone that can elevate your mood and turn around imbalanced chemical activity in the brain. Stress, however, tends to deplete these happy hormones, which can then lead to depression. If nothing changes, suicidal thoughts may ensue at a later stage.
Remember: You Are In Control
Stress is inevitable in this day and age and yes, its side effects can be tough. There will always be one way or another that you can combat stress, you are in control!
So the next time you’re feeling anxious or nervous, use that energy to your advantage and calm your nerves with this yoga.
This article has been republished with permission from PurelyB.
Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on theAsianparent Malaysia website
Read more: 10 Ways To Manage Your Stress For Peace Of Mind
Read more: Working mums are up to 40% more stressed out than other people
Read more: New research proves stress causes obesity
