Everyone has busy weeks, and tension before a deadline is not unhealthy in itself. The difference between healthy and unhealthy work stress lies not in how busy you are, but in what happens afterwards: are you still recovering? That question is more measurable than it sounds, and it's a more reliable compass than the number of hours you work.
Recovery as a Benchmark
After a demanding period, your energy should return: an evening of doing nothing, a weekend getaway, a good night's sleep. If that no longer happens naturally, tension builds up. Typical signs: waking up tired, a weekend that feels too short, being more easily irritated, and dreading tasks that were once routine.
What You Can Do Yourself
Start by mapping out your week: which moments cost energy, which ones provide something? Guard the basics (sleep, exercise, real breaks) and practice saying no to what you can't manage. Sounds simple, it's not: the patterns that cause stress are usually the same ones that prevent you from doing something about it. Therefore, talk about it, with someone you trust or with your manager if possible; speaking aloud where it hurts is often the first real relief.
When to Seek Help?
If the signs persist for weeks, that's the time; not just when things really can't go on. A stress management coach helps you recognize patterns and organize your week differently, in a short and practical program. For persistent physical or psychological complaints, the GP should also be consulted.
Read what a stress management coach does or first take an anonymous self-scan.