How to Manage Stress in Everyday Life
Stress is our body’s natural reaction in the wake of challenges or difficult circumstances. While feelings of stress can help us meet urgent deadlines and chase difficult goals, prolonged stress can affect our physical and emotional well-being and have a long-lasting impact on our physical and mental health.
What are the symptoms of stress?
Stress can have physical, psychological or behavioural symptoms. If you notice the following symptoms it’s time to take a step back and understand what might be causing it.
Physical symptoms of stress:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Chest pains
- High blood pressure
- Digestive problems
- Weak immunity
- Change in weight
- Changes in libido
Psychological Symptoms:
- Feeling angry or irritated
- Feeling fearful or anxious
- Experiencing sudden mood shifts
Behavioural symptoms:
- Ignoring self-care
- Relying on drugs and alcohol to ‘feel better’
- Unhealthy eating
- Compulsive shopping
- Gambling
What are the Causes of Stress?
Stress can be a result of a major life event, or professional or personal discomfort. If you or your loved ones are experiencing any or multiple symptoms mentioned above it’s time to identify the cause.
- Personal relationships– Friction in personal relationships within the family, between partners or spouses or children can be a major cause of stress.
- Life Events- Death, loss of a loved one, or miscarriage can result in acute stress. Sometimes positive live events such as marriage pregnancy or planning a family vacation can also be the reason for stress.
- Employment or academics- Often a ‘stressful job’ can give you sleepless nights. Changing cities or countries to study abroad or relocating due to work can also be a major stressor.
- Financial Issues- Financial troubles, loans or debt is one of the most common causes of stress.
What are the Consequences of Chronic Stress?
Prolonged or chronic stress doesn’t just impact your mental health but can have a lasting effect on your physical well-being as well.
- Mental Health Issues- Chronic stress can lead to anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.
- Cardiovascular Health- Acute stress can lead to palpitations, chest pain, and high blood pressure and in some cases can cause a heart attack or stroke.
- Gastrointestinal Issues- Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcers can be the result of severe stress.
- Sexual Issues- Chronic stress can lead to loss of sex drive, infertility and impotence in men.
- Weight Issues- Stress can lead to eating disorders, unhealthy eating habits and sudden gain or loss of weight.
How to Manage Stress?
Since stress can have a longlasting impact on your life it’s important to identify it’s causes and take a proactive approach to manage it. It is also advisable to speak to a mental health provider like Ohio Psychiatric Services who can understand your stressors and can work with you to manage the symptoms.
- Prioritise your well-being- Good mental and physical health comes from kindness and understanding towards self. In order to build a stress-free life, practice on prioritising your physical and mental health.
- Take regular breaks- It is important to distance yourself from your work from time to time and enjoy the things you love. It could be a small vacation or a 15-minute break from a hectic day that can help in relieving feelings of stress.
- Indulge in interests and hobbies- Look for activities that bring joy to your life. You can also find activities you can enjoy with family or friends like a dance, or cooking class.
- Spend time outdoors- Small outdoor activities like going for a walk, taking a hike or a nature retreat can rejuvenate you. Spending time with nature can help you feel more relaxed.
- Prioritise your physical health- While you focus on relaxing and enjoying hobbies and activities it is important to keep an active lifestyle. Regular exercise has proven benefits in improving your mental health. A healthy diet, good sleep and regular exercise can help you feel more in control of your life.
- Practice meditation- Regular meditation can help you feel more relaxed and centred. You can also explore yoga, tai chi or breathing exercises that focus on relaxing your mind and body.
- Build a support network- Having a strong support network of friends, colleagues and relatives can be a source of great emotional support. Plan regular interactions with friends and family members who can understand your situation and can provide valuable input and support you in times of need.
- Talk to a mental health specialist- If you are unable to manage the symptoms of stress reach out to a mental healthcare provider. A mental healthcare specialist is equipped to understand the stressors and help you in coping with the stress. Sometimes acute stress can also be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition like anxiety or depression. Mental healthcare providers like Ohio Psychiatric Services in Hillard Ohio offer a customised treatment plan for the treatment of depression in Ohio and Lancaster and can help you in your journey towards a healthy and happy life. Book an appointment for an initial evaluation today.