Learn How to Deal with Stress in a Proactive & Productive Way
Sometimes dealing with all of life’s challenges
can feel overwhelming. Whether you are experiencing trouble with work, school,
family matters, or other obligations, it can be easy to feel overburdened by
your responsibilities in today’s busy world.
According to an October 2022 poll conducted by the American
Psychological Association, more than a quarter of American adults say that they
are so stressed that they cannot function. And while the sources of stress may
vary from person to person, the effect that chronic stress can have on an
individual’s mental and physical health can be universally
damaging.
While you may be unable to change the
scenarios in your life that are causing you stress, you can change how you react to them. By remaining aware of your level
of stress and frequently taking a step back to view the big picture, you can
work towards relieving your stress instead of adding to it. Continue reading to
learn about stress awareness and tips to reduce stress!
Why Is Stress Awareness Important?
Between everyday inconveniences and long-term
adverse health effects, being stressed can bring a laundry list of unpleasant
side effects to your body and mind. According to Mayo Clinic, common effects of
stress include headaches, muscle and chest pain, sleep problems, upset stomach,
fatigue, anxiety, anger, and depression. These
changes in your health can also lead to changes in your behavior, such as over-
or undereating, social withdrawal, drug and alcohol use, angry outbursts, and
physical inactivity.
When you are not consciously aware of your
stress level and mental state, the many stressors of life can easily feed into
one another and make your troubles worse. To relieve stress, it’s important to
first be able to identify when you are feeling stressed in order to break this
cycle of negativity.
How Can I Stop Feeling Stressed?
When you notice you are feeling stressed, your
first reaction may be to feel dispirited by the pressure you are feeling instead
of making an effort to relieve the tension. The first step when you notice you
are feeling stressed is to simply pause and acknowledge your mental state.
By pausing and taking a step back when you are
stressed, you can begin the process of returning to a more calm and composed
state of mind. There are a number of different strategies you can use to try to
unwind, but it’s up to you to find productive ways that work for you. Try out
these stress relief methods the next time you are feeling overwhelmed:
● Get active: Although it may not be at the top of your to-do list if you are having a bad day, the benefits of exercising can be felt almost immediately when you are stressed. When you exercise and get your blood pumping your brain releases endorphins which serve to boost your mood and overall mental health. Even a short walk can bring a massive improvement to your mood! Fun Fact: According to research cited by the APA, exercising can better equip your brain to handle stressful situations.
● Try mindfulness meditation: When you are
stressed out and feeling inundated by thoughts of things to do, try taking a
few minutes for a guided meditation to observe your breath and mind. According to the APA, “Researchers reviewed
more than 200 studies of mindfulness among healthy people and found
mindfulness-based therapy was especially effective for reducing stress, anxiety,
and depression. Mindfulness can also help treat people with specific problems
including depression, pain, smoking, and addiction.” Click here to read mindful resolutions you can
make for a more positive you!
● Take care of yourself: It’s always important
to make good choices for your health, but especially so when you are stressed
out. In order to live life at your best, you need to make sure your basic needs
are met. To do this, have a plan to make sure you are eating nutritious meals and getting an adequate
amount of sleep.
● Lean on your support network: Everyone comes
to a time in their life where they need a little help from a friend. Sometimes
when you talk about your problems with someone else, you can identify solutions
that you wouldn’t have otherwise, without an added perspective. Don’t be afraid
to reach out for help – whether to a family member, a friend, or a mental
health professional – to talk about the things that are stressing you.
Being proactive with your health can help you
live a longer and happier life. By stopping and taking note when you are
feeling unusually stressed and then taking steps to recenter, you can reduce the
risks associated with chronic stress and get back to feeling like yourself
again.
The American Heart Association notes chronic stress as a potential cause of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Click below to learn ways you can be proactive with your heart health!
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