The Sneaky Signs of High Stress — and How to Recover Before Burnout
When we think about stress, we often imagine it as big, dramatic moments: tight deadlines, major life changes, or emotional overload.
But the truth is, high stress often builds silently, especially for people who are high-functioning, chronically busy, or managing conditions like thyroid issues or ADHD.
You might feel fine — even great — while your body quietly carries a heavier and heavier load.
Here’s what you need to know about the sneaky signs of high stress, how ADHD medications like Vyvanse can blur your perception of it, and what simple tools can help you recalibrate before burnout hits.
Small Signs You Might Be More Stressed Than You Realize
High stress doesn’t always scream.
Sometimes, it whispers. Here are some subtle red flags:
Body:
Digestive issues
Mildly elevated resting heart rate
Breakouts, dry skin, or slower healing
Menstrual cycle changes
Mind:
Feeling edgy or slightly irritable
“Tired but wired” in the afternoons
Decreased motivation
Emotional disconnection
Behavior:
Over-controlling small things
Craving salty, crunchy foods
Needing more caffeine or stimulation
Overperforming while feeling drained
Note: You can be away from a stressor and still experience stress from the initial stressor.
Why ADHD Medications Can Mask Stress Signals
ADHD medications (like Vyvanse) boost dopamine and norepinephrine, helping you focus, regulate emotions, and feel more functional.
But they also stimulate the nervous system, which means your body may be running on high alert even if your mind feels clear.
This might look like:
Recovering slowly from stress or workouts
More irritability over minor things
Craving stimulation (caffeine, movement, noise)
Crashing hard when you finally stop
A Simple 3-Step Rescue Plan for Overloaded Days
Try this calming reset plan any time you feel overstimulated, wired, or emotionally off.
Step 1: STOP (5–10 minutes)
Step away from screens.
Drink water with electrolytes.
Get outside or into natural light.
Mantra: “Right now, my only job is to land the plane.”
Step 2: SETTLE (10–20 minutes)
Choose one of the following:
A slow, 5-minute walk with no phone or goal
Legs-up-the-wall pose with slow breathing
A 10-minute body scan or guided meditation
Breathing tip: Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds (Longer exhale tells your nervous system you're safe)
Mantra: “Shift gears.”
Step 3: REBUILD (Remainder of the day)
Prioritize high-protein and nourishing, easy-to-digest meals.
Cancel or delegate anything non-essential.
Get 7–9 hours of sleep.
Mantra: “Tactical recovery builds long-term power.”
Monthly Stress Check-In: Red Flag Tracker
Check in with yourself once a month using these quick questions:
Mind + Mood:
Am I feeling more irritable than usual?
Am I emotionally checked out or flat?
Am I forgetting simple things?
Body:
Is my resting heart rate slightly higher than normal?
Am I bloated, breaking out, or unusually tired?
Has my menstrual cycle shifted in length, heaviness, or timing?
Behavior:
Am I craving more salty or crunchy foods?
Am I using caffeine more than usual to function?
Am I avoiding tasks I normally enjoy?
If you answer “yes” to 2 or more:
That’s your cue to slow down, focus on recovery, and nourish your body for a week or two.
Quick Tip: Read up on the different types of rest. And…If these tips aren’t working, it may be burnout symptoms. Read more on that here.
Quick Mantras to Calm Your System
Short phrases that help calm your brain and body in the moment:
“Urgency is not truth.” (When you feel behind)
“One thing at a time. One breath at a time.” (When you feel overwhelmed)
“I can move slow and still move forward.” (When you're wired but tired)
“I don't have to earn my rest.” (When you're overthinking or pushing too hard)
“This is a nervous system check, not a character flaw.” (When you're unusually reactive)
Where Stress Hides, Awareness Heals
Recognizing stress signals isn’t weakness — it’s self-leadership.
It means you're working with your nervous system, not against it.
You don’t need to be tougher. If that worked… it would have worked by now, wouldn’t it?
It’s about strategic recovery that respects your body and your goals.
Need help creating a recovery plan that fits your real life? Reach out today — we’re here to help.
