How to Tell If Your Stress Is Too High And What to Do About It
Let’s be honest, everyone feels stressed sometimes. A little bit of stress can actually help us get things done. It gives us that push to meet deadlines, juggle life, or get through busy days.
But when stress stops being temporary and starts showing up all the time, your body starts to struggle. It’s like leaving your phone on 1% battery for weeks. Eventually, something has to give.
So, how do you know if your stress has gone from normal to too much? Let’s talk about the signs your body and mind might be sending you.
1. You feel tired even after sleeping
If you wake up exhausted no matter how early you went to bed, your stress might be running the show.
Chronic stress keeps your body in fight or flight mode, which can mess with your sleep quality and drain your energy. You might fall asleep easily but wake up feeling like you never truly rested.
2. You’re more irritable or emotional than usual
Ever notice yourself snapping at people or crying over small things?
When stress hormones like cortisol stay high for too long, your emotional balance gets thrown off. You’re not too sensitive, your nervous system is tired and overloaded.
3. You can’t switch off even when you want to
You finally sit down to relax and your mind immediately starts listing everything you still need to do. Sound familiar?
High stress makes your brain feel like it’s always on, keeping you stuck in a cycle of worry and overthinking.
4. You crave sugar, caffeine, or salty snacks
Your body looks for quick energy when you’re stressed. That’s why you might suddenly want chocolate, coffee, or chips all day long.
It’s not just about willpower, it’s your body’s way of coping when your stress hormones are out of balance.
5. Your digestion feels off
Bloating, nausea, constipation, or frequent trips to the bathroom, all can be signs of stress.
Your gut and brain are deeply connected. When your body thinks you’re in danger (even if it’s just work emails or daily pressures), digestion slows down because survival becomes the priority.
6. You keep getting sick
If you’re catching every cold or virus going around, stress could be lowering your immunity.
Your body uses up a lot of resources trying to manage constant pressure, which leaves less energy for fighting off germs.
7. You feel anxious or wired but tired
That mix of feeling exhausted but unable to stop? That’s stress overload.
Your cortisol rhythm might be flipped, high at night when you should be winding down, and low in the morning when you need energy.
8. Your hormones or periods feel off
For women, stress can throw off the entire hormonal system.
Your body can’t tell the difference between a real emergency and constant low-level pressure, so it prioritises survival over reproduction. That can mean irregular cycles, PMS, low libido, or even missed periods.
So, what can you do about it?
Start with small resets.
You don’t need a complete life overhaul, just little moments that tell your body, it’s okay, you’re safe.
– Try deep breathing or slow walks outside.
– Eat regular, balanced meals (don’t skip breakfast!).
– Cut back on caffeine and replace one coffee with herbal tea.
– Get into a bedtime routine that feels calming — no screens, dim lights, maybe a magnesium drink.
– Say “no” more often. Rest doesn’t need to be earned.
When to get extra support
If stress is affecting your sleep, digestion, mood, or relationships or you just feel constantly “off”, it’s a sign your body needs extra support.
A naturopath or nutritionist (like me) can help you find out what’s happening underneath (like cortisol imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or gut issues) and create a plan that helps your body recover.
Remember:
You don’t have to live in survival mode. Your body is designed to heal and find balance again, it just needs the right support, time, and care.
You deserve to feel calm, clear, and energised.