We often think of stress as something “in the mind,” but it loves to show up in the body too.
Common signs include frequent headaches, tight neck and shoulders, or unexplained back pain. You might notice your jaw clenching or teeth grinding, especially at night.
Stress can also affect your stomach—bloating, acidity, frequent urge to use the washroom, or a “knot” feeling in the belly when nothing else seems wrong.
Sleep changes are another clue: either difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early, or feeling restless even after “enough” hours.
Skin and hair don’t escape either. Breakouts, rashes, hair shedding, or flare-ups of existing conditions (like psoriasis or eczema) often increase during stressful periods.
None of this means you should self-diagnose serious illness as “only stress”—persistent or severe symptoms always deserve a proper medical check-up. But if tests are normal and multiple small issues keep coming back during tense phases, it’s worth addressing stress directly—through lifestyle changes, counselling, or relaxation practices.
Your body isn’t betraying you; it’s trying to tell you something.
