Writing Prompt: Signs of Stress

I’ve been busy for a few weeks. Busier than I really care to be. I’m noticing the signs of chronic stress creeping back up, like trouble sleeping and working too much, and I’m going make a few changes. I’m going to take steps to reduce my workload, and carve out more time for rest and exercise.

This is a familiar pattern for me, but now I can catch it earlier, which helps.

Stress is part of life, but high stress over a long period of time can take a toll. Sometimes we are chronically stressed, but don't even realize it. Before we can do something about it, we have to know the signs of stress. For this week’s writing prompt, let's take a look at how you know when you are too stressed.

Write about your relationship with stress:
🖊️📖 What does stress feel like in your body? How do you know when you are feeling highly stressed?
🖊️📖 Does your behavior change during chronically stressful periods? How?
🖊️📖 Does high stress impact your sleep, eating, or habits? Your mood?
🖊️📖 How would someone observing you know that you are stressed out?
🖊️📖 What changes might you make if you are feeling overly stressed? What do you need when stressed, in order to recharge and prioritize taking care of yourself?

I’m a clinical psychologist, co-host of Psychologists Off the Clock, and author of the books ACT for Burnout and ACT Daily Journal. You can find me online at drdebbiesorensen.com.