What Are the Signs of Chronic Stress?

We live in a world that asks a lot of us. Our schedules are packed, deadlines pile up, and our phones buzz all day long. It’s no surprise that we often feel tense or rushed. A little stress is normal—it helps keep you alert and focused. But what happens when stress takes over?

At Plants for Health, we help you manage stress more effectively—not by ignoring it, but by learning to recognize it, understand it, and respond in a healthy way. Because the more control you gain over stress, the more space you create to live the way you want—with more calm, more energy, and more joy.

How to Recognize Chronic Stress
Many people don’t realize their bodies have been in overdrive for months. They’re constantly in “action mode,” without room for true rest—until their body starts to push back.

Do any of these sound familiar?

• You feel so tired that even a full night’s sleep doesn’t recharge you.
• You eat too much or too little, and it feels out of your control.
• Your stomach feels bloated, and your digestion is off.
• You have muscle tension or frequent headaches.
• You can’t sleep—your mind won’t shut off or you wake up in the middle of the night.
• You feel more easily irritated or emotional, and little things throw you off balance.

These are signs we often ignore. We tell ourselves, “It’ll pass once work settles down,” or “Everyone gets tired sometimes, I shouldn’t complain.” But chronic stress is not “just in your head.” It’s real, and if it lasts too long, it can seriously affect your health.

Chronic Stress and Your Health
Ongoing stress increases your risk of heart disease, memory issues, a weakened immune system, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Did you know that people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an extreme form of stress, have up to twice the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune condition? (1,2)

The Good News? You Have More Control Than You Think
You can learn how to manage stress more effectively. Not by trying to eliminate all stress—because that’s neither realistic nor necessary—but by building skills that help your body recover from stress. So you don’t stay stuck in survival mode.

At Plants for Health, we take a holistic approach. True health isn’t just about eating well and staying active—it’s also about how you handle stress. In our program, we teach you how to recognize stress signals earlier and build your mental resilience over time.

So You Can…

• Get your energy back
• Feel more clear-headed and calm
• Enjoy the little things again—like time with your family or a quiet walk in nature
• Look forward to vacations, instead of needing them just to catch your breath
• You’ll feel stronger, more centered, and more in control of your health.
• And no—you don’t need to meditate for hours every day to get there. We work with small, practical steps—science-based and designed to fit your real life.

Curious how we apply this in practice? Learn more about our evidence-based program.