The National Stress Awareness Month has been recognized every April since 1992, but it seems particularly pertinent right now with all that has happened. On this particular day, it gives us an opportunity to think about our own wellbeing and find advice or support on managing stress.
To maintain our wellbeing, we need to be able to recognize what's making us stressed to help us learn how to deal with it. Learning to cope with our stress and finding healthy ways to deal with these situations can go a long way in living a healthy and positive life.
What does stress mean to you?
We all experience stress – yet we may experience it in very different ways. Because of this, there is no single definition for stress, but the American Institute of Stress states the most common explanation is a “physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.”
A 2017 study from the American Psychological Association found the most common sources of stress reported among Americans was the “future of our nation” (63% of respondents mentioned), Money (62%), Work (61%), political climate (57%), violence/crime (51%).
Affecting more than just your mind
Long-term stress can prove to be more than just a mental issue. From headaches to stomach disorders to depression – even very serious issues like stroke and heart disease can come as a result of stress.
When you are placed in a stressful situation, stress hormones rush into your bloodstream leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. This is helpful in emergency situations, but having this “rush” for extended periods of time can be dangerous and make you susceptible to the issues mentioned previously.
Some signs of stress are:
* Depression or anxiety
* Anger, irritability, or restlessness
* Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unfocused
* Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
* Racing thoughts or constant worry
* Problems with your memory or concentration
Learn to overcome issues you CANNOT change
Sometimes the stress in our lives is not something we any power to change – it is during these times that Federal Occupational Health recommends you change your approach to situations. Try to…
* Recognize when you don’t have control, and let it go
* Avoid getting anxious about situations that you cannot change.
* Take control of your reactions and focus your mind on something that makes you feel calm and in control.
* Develop a vision for healthy living, wellness, and personal growth.
* Set realistic goals to help you realize your vision.
Tips for coping with your stress
Here are some basic ideas to help you cope with stress…
* Take care of yourself – eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, give yourself a break if you feel stressed.
* Discuss your problems with a parent, friend, or another trusted source.
* Avoid drugs and alcohol.
* Recognize when you need more help – know when to talk to a psychologist, social worker, or counselor if things continue.
Potentially the most valuable takeaway here is knowing how to talk to others about your stress. This goes both ways, as you need to know how to discuss your problems with others as well as talk to anyone that comes to you with their issues.
Here are the recap sheets you can download to remind yourself de-stress:
Let us know which de-stress techniques you like to use.
Reach out to us if you need a referral for a clinician near you. We're more than happy to assist.
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