Stress assists us in surviving, being awake, and dealing with day-to-day challenges. It has the potential to make us act on the spur of the moment, and in tiny doses, it is actually beneficial to the brain.

Excessive or chronic stress, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect. It has the potential to dull our senses, impair our productivity and problem-solving abilities, and make decision-making tough. Aside from that, it may appear in physical symptoms such as aches and pains, headaches, dizziness, muscular tension, elevated blood pressure, and insomnia, among other stress-related health problems.

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This prompts us to consider how to determine whether our bodily problems are the result of stress or something else. If symptoms such as headaches and unexplained aches persist for an extended period of time and do not resolve, you may consider taking some time off to practise relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, talking to a friend or therapist, and working on better time management techniques.

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“Your body emits a plethora of subtle messages that you may be unaware of. And, in other cases, these signs may indicate that you are under greater stress than you know. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms on a frequent basis, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate your stress levels. By recognising the indications of stress early on, you can take action to address the issue before it worsens “Dr Chandni Tugnait is an M.D. (Alternative Medicines), Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Business Coach, NLP Expert, Healer, and the Founder and Director of Gateway of Healing.

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In an interview with HT Digital, Dr Tugnait discusses the five hidden indications of stress to look out for:

1. Unexplained aches and pains

Stress can generate muscle tension, which can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain. If you’re feeling more aches and pains than normal, it could be an indication that you’re stressed.

2. Trouble sleeping

It can be tough to fall and remain asleep when you are stressed. Stress-related sleep deficit should not be ignored.

3. Frequent headaches

Tension headaches and migraines can be brought on by stress. If you’re experiencing headaches more frequently than normal, it could be an indication that your stress levels are too high.

4. Digestive issues

Stress may wreak havoc on the digestive tract, causing indigestion, heartburn, constipation, and diarrhoea.

5. Fatigue and low energy levels 

When you are stressed, your body is always in “fight or flight” mode, which can cause weariness and exhaustion. Stress can leave you exhausted and depleted of energy. If you’re constantly tired, it could be an indication that your body is trying to urge you to calm down.

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How to beat stress

“If you notice any of these hidden indications of stress, it’s critical that you take action to minimise your stress levels. There are numerous methods for accomplishing this, including relaxation techniques, exercise, deep breathing, and time management skills. If you’re unsure where to begin, consult with an expert for guidance, structure, and accountability. Taking actions to lessen stress will benefit your entire health and well-being “Dr Tugnait says.