The impacts of stress

People experience stress in a variety of different ways. Signs of work-related stress can include:⁹

Physical

• Presence of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (e.g., hypertension, overweight, heart attack, coronary heart disease)
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Immune deficiency disorders
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Headaches
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Elevated heart rate
• Psychomotor agitation (e.g., feeling fidgety or restless)
• Sleep difficulties.

Psychological

• Burnout
• Heightened emotions
• Irritability/mood swings
• Feelings of helplessness or worthlessness
• Disconnection or withdrawal from colleagues and others 
• Concentration / memory difficulties
• Problems with decision-making.

Behavioural

• Taking frequent leave from work (absenteeism) 
• Attending for work but producing a low output (presenteeism)
• Procrastination
• Making avoidable errors at work, or performing below the usual standard
• Ruminating about the job outside the workplace
• Avoiding family/social engagements
• Having a short temper
• Tearfulness
• Eating too much or too little
• Drinking more alcohol than usual or smoking more than usual 
• Using prescription or non-prescription drugs to 'wind down' after work
• Insufficient exercise