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Stress changes a person's behavior before they recognize overwhelm or burnout.

Under stress, an individual can either amplify their style or behave in opposite ways.

Recognizing one's own stress patterns is the first step toward intervention.

Stress is a part of life. And while most of us can recognize when we are overwhelmed, burnt out, or exhausted, many of us have a harder time recognizing the early signs that we are going into stress. Long before we reach a breaking point, there are usually subtle clues that something is wrong. One of the clearest signs? You stop acting like yourself.

Stress has a way of changing our natural tendencies. Sometimes it amplifies our typical behaviours, turning good qualities into overused strengths. Other times, it causes us to do the exact opposite of what comes naturally.

How Stress Can Amplify Your Usual Personality Traits

Below is a list of telltale signs of stress for people who tend to amplify their usual style under pressure. Read through and check off the behaviours you recognize:

Usually, you can grasp situations easily and make decisions relatively quickly, but under stress, you find yourself not considering all the information, acting more impulsively, and changing your mind frequently.

Usually, you are enthusiastic, energetic, and responsible, but under stress, you waste energy, feel like you are running on fumes, and/or are impatient.

Usually, you like meeting with people and working within........

© Psychology Today