The “always-on” culture demands us to be present almost constantly for issues that matter and matters that don’t. It’s natural for our days to get busier while we cry our way through adapting to a routine we often don’t enjoy. So it doesn’t come as a surprise when studies show that this phenomenon can affect our mental and physical wellbeing.  

Our bodies are more intelligent than we think. While we may not realize how stress is getting to us, there are some subtle ways to know what’s changing. According to research, here are a few ways your body is alarming you–

Thirst: The most predominant one is the constant feeling of thirst. Stress tends to cause dehydration. According to an article in HuffPost, physician Dr Robert Kominiarek, when a person is under a lot of pressure, their adrenal glands pump out stress hormones. 

Adrenal glands responsible for regulating the hormone “aldosterone” that controls the body’s fluids and electrolytes can gradually become tired and cause fatigue in the body. This lassitude process will decrease aldosterone levels, which will make the body thirsty and dehydrated.

Craving junk food: Another sign of stress is significant cravings for junk or fast food. It is pretty common to start over-eating when undergoing pressure. 

According to a new study investigating employees’ eating patterns, stressed employees seem to carry their stress home and reflect it at the dinner table, not only by overeating but often by opting for unhealthy food. Researchers concluded that eating is an activity that helps people regulate and suppress negative thoughts, so people feel more in control through eating than they might at work. So if you find yourself over-indulgent at the dinner table, maybe it’s time to take a step back and reassess your stress levels. 

One solution suggested by the researchers for stress and overeating is simple: sleep.

Fatigue and Insomnia: As quoted on Healthline, “A study of 2,316 participants showed that experiencing a higher number of stressful events was significantly associated with an increased risk of insomnia.”

Our sleep patterns can tell us a lot about our lifestyle and whether it needs altering. A good night’s sleep almost always works in our favour. So be it apps that put you to sleep or white noise, make sure you’re off to bed as a part of your routine.

A possible sore jaw: Another sign of stress on your body is a sore jaw. Everything might seem alright during the day, but when you’re asleep, you may not realize that you’ve been grinding your teeth. 

You don’t know if it’s been happening until you wake up and your jaw is sore. It can lead to pain but also tooth damage and cracked teeth. Make a meeting with a dentist to see if you don’t know about something.

Hair shedding: It is relatively standard in the hair growth process and is expected to happen normally. But if you notice a significant increase in your hair fall, your body is letting you know you’re stressed. 

According to research, stress and hair loss are linked. When the hair follicle is pushed out precipitately before completing the entire growth cycle, it will result in excess shedding; the process is called Telogen effluvium.

Before managing your stress levels: listen to your body and analyze the signs correctly. Give it professional attention, if needed and go ahead and work on feeling better.