Stress
How stress can show up in your body, thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
Stress is a normal response to pressure. It becomes a problem when it is constant, or when it starts to get in the way of daily life.
What this can feel like
Stress can affect the body, thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and it shows up differently for different people.
Things you might notice
- Muscle tension, headaches, or an unsettled stomach
- Changes to sleep, appetite or energy
- Difficulty concentrating, or feeling overwhelmed
- Irritability or a shorter fuse than usual
- Withdrawing from people, or drinking more than you would like
Things that may help
- Identify which pressure is weighing most right now
- Break big tasks into smaller steps
- Movement — a walk, or anything that shifts your body
- Talking it through with someone
- A breathing or grounding exercise
- Setting a boundary where you can
When to get more support
If symptoms worry you, persist, or make daily life hard, seek professional support.
General wellbeing information — not a diagnosis or treatment.