Have you ever felt “off” but couldn’t figure out why? You might be checking things off your to-do list, going to work, and being social, but inside, something feels wrong. You might wake up with a sore jaw or have skin problems again. That feeling could be a sign of chronic stress.
Stress affects not just our minds but also our bodies. If we ignore these signals, they can grow stronger until we are forced to take notice.
The latest study conducted in 2025 for the UK Health and Safety Executive claimed that 16.4 million working days had been lost due to stress, depression, or anxiety. Chronic stress is one of the main reasons people miss work, affecting both physical and mental health.
At Abbey Watkins, we help women tune into what their bodies are saying; because once you start understanding those signals, it’s easier to respond with a bit more kindness and care.
Several individuals do not discover the complete effects of chronic stress until it begins to interrupt their sleep, digestion, or even everyday energy.
Let’s explore ten unexpected signs of chronic stress that you might be missing – and what you can do to feel better in your body.
Hidden Signs of Severe Stress You Might Be Ignoring
Here are the ten hidden signs of severe stress that you might be ignoring:
Sign 1: Jaw Clenching or Teeth Grinding
Do you wake up with a tense jaw or a persistent headache? You’re not alone. Tension often builds up in our facial muscles, especially while we sleep. You might not realise you’re tightening your muscles until the pain starts, and then it becomes a regular problem.
Why does this happen: When you’re stressed, your body remains in a state of high alert. This tension often shows up in your jaw, neck, and temples.
Over 70% of dentists reported an increase in jaw clenching and teeth grinding linked to stress.
What could help?
- Gently massage your jaw before falling asleep.
- Use a warm flannel on your cheeks to relax tight muscles.
- If pain is severe, perhaps consult with your dentist about the option of a night guard.
Sign 2: Skin Flare-Ups and Sensitivity
Our skin reveals how we feel on the inside. If you experience sudden skin problems, such as dry patches, eczema, or irritation, stress may be contributing to them. Stress can upset your immune system and lead to inflammation.
Why does this happen: Cortisol is the hormone related to stress, and it can increase inflammation and compromise your skin’s natural defences.
A 2025 study showed that skin antioxidant potential dropped by 23% under moderate stress.
Things to do:
- Buy gentle and fragrance-free products.
- Keep a diary of flare-ups and your stress level at the time.
- Drink tons of water and consume high-moisture foods.
Sign 3: Aching Legs or Restlessness at Night
Many women ignore leg pain and anxiety, but these can be signs of tension in the lower body. You may feel restless or tense before going to sleep, making it difficult to find comfort even when you’re tired.
Why does this happen: When your nervous system is very active, your muscles stay tense. This affects your blood circulation, making it harder for your body to relax.
Here are a few pointers for some relief:
- Evening Epsom salt baths or magnesium spray.
- Short stretch before bed.
- Use a guided sleep meditation to calm the nervous system.
Sign 4: Upper Body Pain or Random Tightness
Sometimes upper-body aching, particularly in the neck, shoulders, or chest, can arise less from purely physical reasons and more so from purely emotional tension. You might think that your bad posture is solely due to sitting at a desk all day. However, it could also be a sign that you are carrying emotional stress.
According to the 2025 Practice Plus Group Survey, it was released that about eight out of every ten adults in the UK are found to have chronic aches and pains, which, within this number, 25% say that these conditions do affect their work or enjoyment of life. Muscle tension can gradually build up and become uncomfortable over time.
Why does this happen: When we deal with our emotions, our bodies respond physically. We often bend, tense up, and gasp more than we realise.
What would work in getting rid of the upper body tension:
- Shoulder rolls or yoga stretches for the upper body?
- Deeply breathe into the chest and ribs to fill the lungs.
- Set reminders for yourself to check your posture, relax your shoulders, and recollect yourself.
Sign 5: Feeling ‘Wired But Tired’
You feel completely exhausted, but when you try to relax, your mind races. Does this sound familiar? It’s one of the most frustrating parts of ongoing stress.
Why does this happen: Cortisol and adrenaline can stay high, especially if you’ve had a busy day with no breaks. This keeps your nervous system in an active state.
The Sleep Foundation reported that 43% of adults say stress keeps them up at night several times a month.
What helps:
- Create a digital sunset: Screens off at least 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.
- Create a wind-down routine, even if it’s just five minutes of easy breathing.
- Stop taking in caffeine after 2 PM so that your body’s natural rhythms can get back into the swing of things.
Sign 6: Digestive Upsets with No Clear Cause
Some days are simply bloated while others threaten to cramp – and sometimes there’s discomfort without apparent cause. If unpredictable discomfort is something that has recently been troubling you-gut probably not stress.
Why does this happen: The brain and gut are closely connected. Stress can impact your digestion, gut bacteria, and the way your body absorbs nutrients.
Around 40–60% of IBS cases are triggered or worsened by psychological stress.
What helps:
- Eat while distracting yourself from using phones, emails, or do other things.
- Choose a warm, easily needed digestible meal such as soup, stews or steamed vegetables.
- Keep a diary as to which foods make your stomach upset during stressful times.
Sign 7: Lightheadedness or Dizziness During Calm Moments
You aren’t making progress quickly. You don’t feel worried, but you often feel dizzy. This happens more often than you think.
Why does this happen: When you experience ongoing stress, it alters your breathing pattern. You tend to breathe more shallowly, which is not as effective. This limits the oxygen in your body and can cause dizziness, even when you are still.
What helps:
- Just sit quietly and do this breathing pattern: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and breathe out for 6 seconds.
- Do not skip meals or overdo caffeine.
- Gentle movements such as walking and slowly stretching.
Sign 8: Forgetfulness or Brain Fog
You walk into a room but forget why you’re there. You read the same sentence three times. You’re not losing your mind – you’re just overwhelmed.
Why does this happen: When your body is in survival mode, it focuses less on memory and more on staying safe. Your brain prioritises your safety over remembering details.
What helps:
- Use visual notes or alarms to lift some of the mental weight.
- Break the job down into small steps.
- Add ‘no-do’ hours during the day for some mental break time.
Sign 9: Emotional Numbness or Irritability
You might get upset over tiny things, or you may feel like nothing affects you emotionally anymore. This is a way your body saves energy.
Why does this happen: When stress persists for a long time, your nervous system may become desensitised to emotional reactions. You might feel like you’re going through life in a fog or feel tense without knowing why.
A 2024 study found memory recall speed dropped by 23% in people under long-term stress.
What can help:
- Write: Journal whatever you’re thinking about.
- Get moving: Dance or shake it out to help you reconnect with your feelings.
- Allow little pleasures: Watch funny videos, smell nice things, or enjoy a warm cup of tea.
Sign 10: Changes in Your Menstrual Cycle
Stress affects your hormones. If your period has become irregular, heavier, or stopped altogether, your body might be telling you to take a break.
Why does this happen: Stress affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a hormone system located in the brain. This can disturb ovulation, progesterone levels, and your menstrual cycle.
It has been reported by The Guardian that a study conducted in 2025 determined that about 36% of adolescent girls in England are afflicted by heavy or long menstrual periods. These changes are often related to stress and can impact school attendance and academic performance. Hormonal fluctuations can disrupt daily life.
What might help:
- Keep a record of both your cycle and your stress levels.
- Use your period as a sign to take it easy.
- Do rest during the luteal phase, which is the week prior to your period.
Conclusion
If any of these signs apply to you, remember that you are not alone, and you are not flawed. Chronic stress can sneak into your life, but you can recognise it and seek help so it doesn’t take over.
Abbey Watkins works with women to help them reduce stress by gently and genuinely reconnecting with their bodies without any pressure. Find support that fits your lifestyle.
