Our bodies are telling us we're overloaded - here's how to spot your own warning signs
Stressed about returning to work and the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Our bodies often give us clear warning signs of overload. Listening to yourself is an important preventative measure.
Everybody's mind is sometimes overwhelmed. Life's transitions, everyday pressures, an unexpected crisis or the anxiety of the war in Ukraine, for example, can take their toll. Mental health can always be supported and treated," says Laura Sokka, our neuropsychologist in charge at the Focus Mind Specialist Unit.
– Anything can happen to any one of us at any time that puts a strain on our mental well-being. However, our bodies often give clear alarm signals of overload. Listening to yourself is an important preventative measure. Learn to recognise your own stress alarm signals and take them seriously.
Common warning signs of prolonged stress
- Annoyed by smaller than normal things, your attention is more easily drawn to negative things.
- Your inflexibility has increased and you find it difficult to see things from different perspectives.
- Your memory may be fragmented and you forget things.
- You find it difficult to concentrate, get things started and stay focused.
- You may have vague body sensations: frequent headaches, stomach upset, chest tightness or pressure.
- You have trouble falling asleep or wake up at night.
- You are too tired to see friends or withdraw from social situations.
- You're already running out of energy to do your routines and you don't have the energy to think.
- People close to you are noticing changes in your behaviour.
It pays to seek support and help early
The mind needs care and attention, especially when life is trying.
– If you or a loved one is worried about your well-being, it is a good idea to seek professional help immediately. For example, if you suspect fatigue at work, you should seek help at the latest when you feel overwhelmed by body sensations, sleep is disturbed or you feel that you have to make much more effort than before, even for smaller things," says Laura.
Read more occupational health articles
Flu season has begun: 7 tips how doctors prevent the flu
The common cold is prevalent in Finland throughout the year. However, viruses spread more readily in the fall, and the influenza season typically begins at the end of the year.
Näin Suomi voi: The decline in mental health-related sick leaves continues to accelerate
At Terveystalo, we committed at the beginning of the year to reduce mental health-related sick leave by 5% among our current customer base during 2025. This ambitious reduction target has progressed excellently during the first half of the year, with the reduction already almost doubling the target. This excellent result has been driven by the development of mental health services for occupational health customers and close cooperation with our corporate customers.
The future of work is built on curiosity and amazement – this is how you can boost your learning efficiency
The future working life will challenge our brains in entirely new ways. Organizations and individuals will have to adapt to constant change, where learning, sharing information, and utilizing diverse thinking will take center stage. It is no longer enough to master a single skill thoroughly; curiosity, the ability to innovate, and the skill to creatively combine different perspectives are also required. According to brain researcher Katri Saarikivi, cognitively stimulating work improves brain health, as long as organizations manage to ensure that the workload does not become too heavy.
Nicotine satches and e-cigarettes already pose a threat to oral health
Nicotine sachets use is increasing, especially among working-age men and women. Among young people, e-cigarette smoking has even tripled in five years. It is already known that nicotine sachets and e-cigarettes cause similar changes in the mouth as traditional smoking. Ritva Lindblad, senior dentist at Terveystalo, warns that we are only now beginning to see the first signs of the products' effects on oral health.
Terveystalo strengthens disease prevention in collaboration with Finnish health technology company MedicubeX
Terveystalo and the Finnish health technology company MedicubeX have entered into a strategic partnership that will make Terveystalo the only private healthcare provider in Finland to have access to MedicubeX's self-monitoring stations (e-Health Stations™). The aim of the partnership is to support the health of the Finnish population and prevent lifestyle diseases.
A mind-friendly and brain-healthy holiday - how to recover and recharge your batteries?
Many people start their summer holidays after Midsummer. For a holiday to soothe your mind, take a look at Terveystalo's occupational health psychologist Tiina Tuominen's tips for a restorative holiday.