What is Stress?
Stress is the feeling of worry when you come across a difficult situation. Stress can negatively affect your physical and mental health if not managed properly. There are two different kinds of stress. Acute is a stressor that is for a short period of time. Chronic stress is a stressor that is for a long period of time. Everyone handles stress differently and it is a good idea to find a way to cope with stress that works for you.
What Causes Stress?
Situations that threaten your safety, health, or well-being
Thoughts or emotions that involve fear of loss
Repetitive worry
Uncertainty
Lack of control over aspects of your life
Habitual thought patterns involving negative beliefs
Lack of self-efficacy
Symptoms of Stress:
Constant worry
Difficulty concentrating
Problems remembering things
Hard time making decisions
Brain fog
Reduced sense of humor
Nervousness
Loneliness
Irritability
Sense of purposes
Decreased motivation
Muscle tension
Fatigue
Difficulty sleeping
Teeth grinding
Increased sweating
Digestive problems
Fidgeting
Emotional eating
Isolation
Withdraw from family or friends
Tips on Managing Stress:
Increase awareness of your stressors and stress response
Start with what is within your control
Use purposeful relaxation strategies
Nourish the body and mind
Find what you enjoy doing, do it often and regularly
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed (family, social circle, mental health therapist)
Importance of Managing Stress:
Managing your stress is very important to your well-being. Chronic stress can lead to heart disease, stroke, headaches, inflammation, pain, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression if not managed correctly. Take extra good care of yourself. That means you need to give more (not less!) attention to yourself and your own needs when you’re enduring a stressful situation in life. Even if that situation lasts for years. Your physical healing will be slowed by the stress that you are experiencing. Stress isn’t isolated to your mind. Your body experiences it, too. You might be familiar with experiencing the increased neck tension, headaches, or gut discomfort associated with stress. These are common examples of embodied stress experiences. Remember that it is okay to seek help from others when you need it. Find a way to cope with stress that works for you and stick to it.
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