Stress Management Checklist
Stress does not appear out of nowhere — recognise it first, and only then can you address it. Go through the signals below one by one.
1. Physical signals
- Long-term insomnia or poor sleep
- Headaches, neck tension, tight shoulders
- Stomach pain, indigestion, appetite changes
- Racing heart, shortness of breath, constant fatigue
2. Emotional signals
- Easily irritable, short-tempered, impatient
- Anxious, worried, restless
- Low mood, no motivation, loss of interest in things you enjoy
3. Behavioural signals
- Procrastinating or avoiding work/study
- Numbing yourself with food, alcohol or the internet
- Withdrawing from people
4. Three things to do today
- Do 3 minutes of belly breathing — cool the body down now
- Write down the one thing troubling you most — get it out of your head
- Talk to someone you trust — connection itself is medicine
If these signals persist for more than two weeks and affect your life and relationships, consider seeking professional support. Stress is not weakness; reaching out is courage.