We’ve all been there those moments when the mere thought of getting out of bed for work feels like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Whether it’s the never-ending deadlines, emails you can’t seem to catch up on, or that one coworker who thinks every day is a debate day work can sometimes feel like it’s weighing us down more than lifting us up. Black women, in particular, carry a unique set of challenges in the workplace, making it crucial to recognize the signs work is stressing you out before things spiral out of control.
Below, we’ll uncover nine clear signs work is stressing you out and how to navigate through the pressure while keeping your crown high.
9 Signs Work is Stressing You Out
- You’re Feeling Constantly Tired, Even After Sleeping
Waking up tired is one thing, but dragging yourself through the day despite getting a full eight hours? That’s a red flag. Fatigue is one of the first signs work is stressing you out. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can disrupt your sleep cycle. Before you know it, you’re binge-watching Netflix into the wee hours to “unwind,” only to wake up feeling worse than before.
Personal experience alert: I remember a time when no matter how much rest I got, it felt like I hadn’t slept in days. And yet, I was still hitting “reply all” at 3 a.m. News flash: If you’re answering emails in your dreams, that’s your body begging for a break! It’s one of those unmistakable signs work is stressing you out.
- Your Patience is Running Thin
Remember how you used to be the one who kept the peace during office drama? Now, even the way someone chews their lunch annoys you. Short tempers and irritability are signs work is stressing you out. When you’re overworked, it’s like your fuse gets shorter, and little things become monumental irritations.
Scientific proof backs this up: A study from the American Psychological Association showed that stress can cause emotional responses that make you react impulsively. The next time Karen from HR makes that comment, pause, breathe, and maybe…count to 100. It’s important to recognize these signs work is stressing you out early on to prevent major emotional burnout.
- You’re Always Thinking About Work Even on Weekends
Weekends are supposed to be for brunch, self-care, and Netflix marathons not obsessing over that project due next Tuesday. If you’re mentally replaying your to-do list while sipping mimosas, it’s another of the key signs work is stressing you out.
Anecdote: There was a time when I couldn’t even enjoy my favorite Sunday-afternoon face mask ritual without thinking about my inbox. Sis, we deserve better than to let work invade our sacred self-care moments! Recognizing when work has crossed into your personal life is one of the clearest signs work is stressing you out.
- Physical Symptoms Start Showing Up
Stress has a funny way of manifesting in the body. Tension headaches, backaches, and digestive issues can all be physical signs work is stressing you out. According to research by the National Institutes of Health, chronic stress impacts almost every system in your body heart, immune system, digestion you name it.
If you notice physical issues cropping up out of nowhere, it might be time to examine whether your work stress is the culprit. A good massage or yoga session might help, but the real remedy is setting boundaries and prioritizing mental wellness.
- You’re Losing Interest in What You Used to Love
Remember when you used to light up talking about your latest work project? But now, you couldn’t care less. Loss of passion and enthusiasm is one of the most telling signs work is stressing you out. This emotional exhaustion can easily lead to burnout if not addressed.
If you find yourself staring blankly at your screen more often than actually working, it might be time to reassess your relationship with your job. No one thrives in an environment that drains their joy. Think about injecting some soul-nourishing activities back into your routine whether that’s journaling, dancing, or catching up with your girls.
- Your Self-Care Routine is Non-Existent
Self-care is essential, but stress has a sneaky way of making us neglect it. If your skincare routine is down to a simple face wipe at night (instead of your 10-step routine), or you can’t remember the last time you exercised, these are telltale signs work is stressing you out.
Pro tip: Don’t underestimate the power of pampering yourself! A simple act like a hot bath, a skincare treatment, or even taking a walk in the park can help shift your mood and lower cortisol levels, as shown by a study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research.
- You’re Zoning Out (More Than Usual)
If you’ve noticed yourself staring blankly at your computer screen or daydreaming more than usual, it’s a sign that your brain is checking out because of stress. Overworking your mind causes mental fatigue, and sometimes, your brain just needs a break.
It’s not that you’re lazy, sis. Your mind is overwhelmed. Studies show that constant stress reduces cognitive function, making it harder to concentrate or even complete basic tasks. Sometimes, zoning out is your brain’s way of pressing the pause button. Zoning out could be one of the clearest signs work is stressing you out.
- You’re Turning to Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
If you find yourself reaching for that extra glass of wine a little too often or indulging in “comfort” foods every night, these might be signs work is stressing you out. Unhealthy coping mechanisms can seem like a quick fix, but they only provide temporary relief. In the long run, they worsen your mental and physical health.
According to scientific research, high stress increases cravings for unhealthy foods high in sugar and fat. Trust me, as tempting as it might be to finish off that pint of ice cream, your body will thank you for healthier outlets like exercising or meditation.
- You’re Struggling to Stay Productive
If tasks that used to take you an hour are now dragging on for days, it’s another signal that work is stressing you out. Stress overload impacts your ability to stay productive. You might find yourself procrastinating, getting easily distracted, or missing deadlines entirely.
Personal tip: When I hit this stage, I knew I needed a real break. Sometimes, stepping away even for a few minutes can help you regain your focus. Breaks aren’t a luxury; they’re essential to productivity. If you find your productivity slipping, it’s one of the obvious signs work is stressing you out.
It’s Time to Prioritize Your Peace
Recognizing these signs is the first step toward reclaiming your peace. Black women often carry the weight of the world on our shoulders professionally and personally but it’s time to recognize that stress is not a badge of honor. It’s okay to take a step back, ask for help, or even re-prioritize your life. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
If you’ve identified with any of these signs work is stressing you out, it’s time to create healthier boundaries and reclaim your joy. Start with small changes, whether it’s incorporating more “me” time into your schedule, saying “no” more often, or even finding a new way to express yourself outside of work. Whatever you choose, remember: Your mental and physical health is worth the effort.
