Signs of Stress

On my current project, I have been set up with an e-mail ID within our client's company so I am effectively an employee of the company. As an employee there are a number of training modules I need to undertake to comply with the company's policies, one of them being the company's occupational health and safety (OH&S) policy. So there I am, in the office after five on a Friday, trying to complete my OH&S training and reading about the signs or symptoms of stress ...

Some of the signs?

• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Seeing only the negative Possibly
• Anxious or racing thoughts
• Constant worrying
• Moodiness Ask Hubby!
• Irritability or short temper
• Agitation, inability to relax A little bit!
• Feeling overwhelmed Sometimes ...
• Sense of loneliness and isolation

  It's hard not to feel isolated when my project team is in Melbourne and I'm the only one in Sydney!

• Depression or general unhappiness
• Nausea, dizziness
• Chest pain, rapid heartbeat

  ... but I probably should check my blood pressure—I haven't done that for a while!

• Weight loss or gain

  Definitely! I'm sure I've put on 2-3 kilos since starting this project. I haven't stepped on the scales for four weeks because I'm dreading what I will see.

• Sleep issues
• Isolating yourself from others

  My team might be in Melbourne but I still go into the office in Sydney.

• Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities

  I've always been a procrastinator so nothing has changed!

• Increased consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine to relax

  Does changing my once-a-day regular-size coffee to a large size count?

• Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

  ... but nothing different to what I usually do!

• Skin breakouts

  ... eczema is definitely starting to play up again.

• Lack of care in appearance Possibly ...

You know what?

I'm stressed!