Stress and Anxiety are two conditions that I have studied for a while as I used to (and still do sometimes) battle with both myself. I will talk about Anxiety in my next article as I believe both are quite similar and at the same time very different, so, to don't confuse you any further, I will keep both separate.
If you think you are suffering from stress, this article should help you to clarify what you are experiencing and how to manage it.
What is Stress?
Stress in other words 'fight or flight' reaction is your body's reaction to a changes or challenges. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Stress is a normal part of life. You can experience stress from your environment, your body and your thoughts. The way I understand it - stress is only when constant and ongoing cause overwork of systems and more exactly increase in heart rate, elevated levels of stress hormones and blood pressure which can become harmful to our body. This long-term/ongoing stress can increase the risk of multiple conditions and illnesses like Hypertension, Heart attack, Stroke, Migraine, IBS...etc.
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How does stress feel?
The most common psychological and emotional symptoms of stress:
Depression or anxiety
Anger, irritability, or restlessness
Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unfocused
Racing thoughts or constant worry
Problems with your memory or concentration
Physical symptoms of stress:
Headaches.
Upset stomach, including diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea.
Low energy.
Grinding teeth, clenched jaw.
Aches, pains, and tense muscles, especially neck, shoulders and face muscles.
Chest pain and rapid heartbeat.
Insomnia or sleeping too much.
Frequent colds and infections.
Loss of sexual desire and/or ability.
I have to say I was surprised by those symptoms when I first find out a few years back. It just confirmed to me that I have been affected by stress for much longer than I thought I was. Unfortunately, in my case, it has turned in to chronic stress. It has been going on for years and manifested in a series of illnesses like Anxiety, Migraine and IBS.
The reasons for stress can be endless too in our frantic and fast-moving world, but I will not analyse those here. However, I will just say that the reason/cause is very important too and this will be one of the Long Term reliefs that I will suggest to you in this article.
As mentioned above stress is only harmful when not dealt with and effecting our bodies for a longer time. To don't paint it all so grim here are some examples of 'good' stress:
Receiving a promotion or raise at work.
Being in a dangerous situation where 'fight or flight' response can save us.
Starting a new job.
Marriage.
Buying a home.
Having a child.
Moving.
Planning for vacation.
Holiday season.
However, when these stressors come in small doses is not that dangerous, but when you combine a few of those it is when the problems start.
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Holistic treatments and Management of stress.
I usually say, to relieve stress Short Term you need to Breath and Long Term to Meditate. It sounds very simple and most people who are dealing with it knows these solutions. But there's much more to stress relief and management then these two tips. I want to point out that a lot of people use a short term relief option as a permanent solution and not getting that needed relief long term. From my experience and approach to holistic ways of any treatment is to go to the cause and eliminate that first. And I would say that is the most effective Long Term Stress Relief. But here are some more, I will split them in Long Term - which helps with chronic and permanent stress and Short Term, which helps to take control of those 'good' stresses to don't leave the permanent damage:
Short Term Stress Relief examples:
Exercise.
Relax tension in Your Muscle.
Deep Breathing.
Take a Break.
Fresh air. Walk in nature.
However, all short term reliefs can turn into long term when done regularly to help reduce constant stress and give the body a well-deserved rest.
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Long Term:
Meditate Daily.
Talk About and Analyse your Problems. Find the cause of Stress.
Exercise. Working out regularly is a good ways to relax your body and mind.
Regular Breathing Exercises.
Healthy eating to make sure all your nutritional needs are met.
Slow Down. Plan your daily routines to avoid being overwhelmed.
Make Time for Hobbies and don't forget to include charitable work as it is very rewarding.
The good news is that Stress is possible to manage and there are lots of ways to handle it. You can ask for help or build your own stress management routines. In my case asking for help has been the most efficient and I would suggest you do the same. You can book a call with me and we can discuss your option on how to manage stress and take control of your health.
Lots Relaxing moments and Love to you all
Lina
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Lina Kochanske