Spotting Symptoms

Stress doesn’t always look like panic or feeling overwhelmed all the time. Sometimes it shows up in quieter, less obvious ways that are easy to overlook. 

Stress can affect us emotionally, physically, and behaviorally. You might notice changes in mood or motivation, tension or fatigue in your body, or shifts in sleep, focus, or habits. These are common responses to ongoing demands—not signs that something is wrong with you. 

Take a moment to notice how stress shows up for you: 

• Emotional signs like irritability, feeling overwhelmed, or low motivation. 

• Physical signs like headaches, muscle tension, or changes in sleep or appetite. 

• Behavioral signs like procrastination, withdrawal, or difficulty concentrating. 

The goal isn’t to judge yourself for feeling stressed—it’s to notice with curiosity. Awareness is the first step toward caring for yourself. Checking in with how stress shows up can help you respond with support, rest, or connection when you need it most.