Hey there, ever find yourself caught up in the whirlwind of daily life, only to realize later that stress and anxiety had been silently pulling the strings all along? It happens to the best of us. 

In fact, stress and anxiety often operate incognito—making their way into our behaviors without us even noticing. 

As someone who’s delved deep into the realm of human relationships, I’ve uncovered 7 subtle behaviors that tend to emerge in those constantly battling these internal foes. 

Ready? Let’s dive in. 

1) Overthinking

The mind is a powerful thing, but when stress and anxiety take the wheel, it can lead us down a rabbit hole of constant overthinking.

In fact, one of the most common signs of chronic stress and anxiety is a tendency to overanalyze everything.

Whether it’s a casual conversation with a friend, an offhand comment from a coworker, or an upcoming event, those dealing with high levels of stress and anxiety often find themselves obsessing over details and potential outcomes.

This constant mental gymnastics can be exhausting, leading to feelings of fatigue and burnout. It’s a cycle that’s tough to break, especially when you don’t even realize you’re stuck in it.

2) Hyper-productivity

Here’s a surprise: constant stress and anxiety can actually make some people hyper-productive.

This might sound counterintuitive—after all, aren’t stress and anxiety supposed to slow us down? But in reality, some individuals use an overload of tasks and responsibilities as a means of distraction, keeping their minds too busy to dwell on anxious thoughts.

When under constant stress, their coping mechanism kicks in, driving them to take on more tasks or even overcommit to social engagements. It’s a flurry of activity that might look like high-functioning behavior.

But don’t be fooled. This hyper-productivity often comes at a high cost. It can lead to physical exhaustion, strained relationships, and even more anxiety about maintaining such a pace. 

3) Avoidance of silence

In my experience, I’ve noticed that people who are constantly stressed and anxious often find it hard to sit still in silence. It seems that when everything is quiet, that’s when the anxious thoughts become the loudest.

They might constantly have music playing, or the television on in the background. They may feel the need to fill any silence with conversation, even if it’s just small talk.

This avoidance of silence can be seen as a way of trying to drown out the discomforting thoughts and feelings that accompany stress and anxiety. But rather than helping, it often just adds to the noise.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve into strategies to embrace silence and face our fears head-on. It’s not always easy, but learning to be comfortable in our own thoughts can be a powerful tool in managing stress and anxiety.

4) Difficulty in accepting compliments

This one may seem a bit unexpected, but many people who are constantly stressed and anxious have a hard time accepting compliments. They might downplay their achievements or deflect praise onto others.

This behavior often stems from feelings of unworthiness or fear that they won’t live up to the expectations set by the compliment. It’s a subtle sign, but one that can reveal a lot about a person’s internal state.

As Eleanor Roosevelt once wisely said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” This quote resonates deeply with me, reminding us all that we are deserving of praise, and we should embrace it rather than shy away from it.

5) Neglecting self-care

When life gets busy and stress levels rise, one of the first things that often falls to the wayside is self-care.

Those dealing with constant stress and anxiety may neglect basic self-care routines like eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, or taking time for leisure activities. Instead, they might pour all their energy into work, family obligations, or other responsibilities.

In my own life, I’ve seen how easy it is to fall into this trap. But neglecting self-care only exacerbates stress and anxiety in the long run.

Taking time for ourselves isn’t selfish – it’s necessary. And recognizing when we’re falling short in this area is an important step towards managing stress and anxiety more effectively.

6) Being overly defensive

People who are constantly stressed and anxious can sometimes come across as overly defensive. They might take innocent comments or constructive criticism personally, perceiving them as attacks even when they’re not intended that way.

This defensiveness is typically a response to feeling threatened or insecure. It’s like a subconscious shield against perceived judgment or criticism.

As renowned author Stephen Covey said, “We see the world, not as it is, but as we are.” This quote rings especially true in this context. When we’re feeling stressed or anxious, we may project those feelings onto the world around us.

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7) Isolation

This one is tough to talk about, but it’s important. Often, people dealing with constant stress and anxiety find themselves pulling away from others.

They might cancel plans, stop reaching out to friends, or spend more time alone. It’s a way of creating a buffer, a safe space where they don’t have to put on a brave face or fear judgment.

But while it might provide temporary relief, isolation can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety in the long run. We’re social creatures, after all, and we thrive on connection and community.

It’s crucial to recognize this behavior for what it is: a cry for help. Reaching out to someone who seems to be withdrawing can make a world of difference. It’s not about forcing social interaction, but rather offering support and understanding.

A deeper understanding

Understanding our emotional and behavioral patterns can empower us, helping us navigate life with more awareness and make proactive choices instead of being driven by unconscious habits.

Recognizing these subtle behaviors linked to chronic stress and anxiety is just the beginning. To truly manage these states, we need to delve deeper, understand the root causes, and explore effective coping strategies.

In that regard, I’d like to recommend a video by Justin Brown. It’s called “The Illusion of Happiness and Why Chasing it Makes You Miserable.” This video challenges the common belief that pursuing happiness leads to a fulfilling life.

Instead, it suggests that true contentment comes from within – by embracing life’s challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and staying true to oneself.

This video pairs well with the themes we’ve discussed in this article. It’s a raw and insightful exploration of our shared human experience – the struggles, the victories, and everything in between.

Remember, taking care of our mental health is not an overnight process. It’s a journey. And every step, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.