Your body is used to stress to some extent. Healthy tension improves performance and keeps you sharp. But, at which point does the stress you experience have negative consequences? Unfortunately, there is no ‘one-size fits all’ list of symptoms. In addition, minor changes in behavior are sometimes difficult to detect, especially in your own behavior. However, there are some things you can keep an eye on.
A combination of (physical) symptoms
Increased complaining, reluctantly towards your work, quickly irritable or less capable of solving problems? These are things we all experience sometimes, and it’s only problematic when it lasts for a longer period of time in combination with various physical and/or psychological complaints. Complaints such as reduced concentration, poor or restless sleep, forgetfulness, various pains: pain in your neck, back or head and feeling stressed may be signs of burnout.
Personality traits
How can two people with the same job and the same workload experience stress so differently? First of all, there is a distinction between the home situation of both individuals, but certain personality characteristics can also play a role. Examples of characteristics of people who are more likely to experience stress are: perfectionism, involvement in others and the work, setting high goals and demands, and perseverance.
Problem management
In addition to the different characteristics, everyone has his own way of dealing with situations. For example, one person can be more of handling problems directly while others want to give it time. One person see the glass half-full and the other person sees it as half-empty. One approach is no better than the other, but the combination of your personality and the way you handle problems can play a role in developing stress.
Therefore, try to keep an eye on how you feel, how you respond to things, and try to analyze how you are in situations. Also, try to keep an eye out for your family, friends or colleagues. You can notice things while the person experiencing these things might not see it yet. Be open and discuss it with each other. Are you having complaints? Then it’s time to take action. It differs per person what you can do best, you may be able to change the situation in which you are. If you do not have a (direct) influence on the situation, try to take (more) time for yourself and your hobbies to release some stress.
Feel like you are experiencing certain complaints for a while already? Then it’s important to discuss your complaints: report it to your employer and/ or go to the GP. You can also get in touch with a coach. Send a request to one of our NiceDay Coaches. We are happy to assist you.
