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7 Surprising Sources of Stress

Whilst there are many significant and obvious sources of stress that you may encounter on a daily basis there are also many ways stress can creep up on you. These hidden sources of stress can add you your stress load and contribute toward unwanted symptoms and side effects of stress.

Take a look at the 7 surprising sources of stress below to find out if you could be unwittingly adding to your stress levels.

1 - Perfectionism

The constant need to get everything just right, adds more pressure and weight on your shoulders. Striving for perfection can also trigger fear of failure which activates the body's stress response, increases cortisol levels and can lead to heightened anxiety.

2 - Multitasking

Attempting to juggle lots of different tasks simultaneously overwhelms your brain and increases your stress levels. Constantly switching between tasks can lead to cognitive overload and reduced productivity as your brain struggles to keep up with your demands.

3 - Clutter

A cluttered environment can overwhelm your senses and increase feelings of stress and anxiety. Visual clutter can also be distracting and make it difficult to focus, while physical clutter can create a sense of chaos which contributes to feelings of overwhelm and stress.

4 - Over-exercising

While exercise is beneficial for overall health, pushing yourself too hard during workouts without adequate rest and recovery can lead to physical exhaustion, elevated cortisol levels, and increased risk of injury all which are sources of stress for your body.

5 - Psychological thrillers / horror films

They might seem like entertainment but thrillers and horror films can trigger your body's fight-or-flight response. Anything that has you on the edge of your seat (or hiding behind a cushion) is potentially triggering your stress response and contributing to increased heart rate, anxiety, feelings of fear and unease, all of which can continue after watching.

6 - Dehydration

You simply can't live without water, it's non-negotiable. Your body needs to be hydrated to survive so if you're dehydrated this triggers an internal stress response. This is on top of all the other symptoms of dehydration such as fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating - all of which can add to your stress load in their own right creating a vicious cycle.

7 - Unhealthy Eating Habits

Poor food choices and irregular eating patterns can contribute to your stress load and impact mood and energy levels. Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine, sugar, alcohol and processed foods can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and neurotransmitter imbalances, exacerbating stress responses even more.

Cultivate Positive Habits to

Stress can manifest in various forms, often stemming from unexpected sources that may be overlooked in your daily life but are creating layers of minor stressors that all add up.

By recognising these surprising sources of stress, you can empower yourself to take steps towards reducing your exposure to stress and improving your well-being.

It's not just about avoiding stressors. It's also about cultivating habits and practices that nourish your mind, body, and soul.

Whether it's drinking more water, eating a healthy diet, practicing self-compassion, or embracing mindfulness techniques, there are many tools you can use to navigate stress and increase resilience.

How will you tackle the hidden stressors in your life?

Curious about how I can support you?

Do you need support to navigate stress and create healthier habits? I'm here to help!

My approach is rooted in a blend of nutritional and body wisdom, incorporating relaxation, mindfulness and mindset, self-care, the healing power of nature and acknowledging the miracle of you!

To find out more about how I can support you please CLICK HERE to send me a message and tell me a little about yourself so we can schedule a call to see if we’re a good fit.