Stress Management

To fully understand how stress impacts our mind and bodies, it’s essential to know what stress is. Stress is defined as challenges to our physical and emotional well-being that exceeds our coping abilities and effects that are created by a stressor. Although trauma overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, stress doesn’t necessarily overwhelm a person. Once stress has been introduced to the body, the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system act immediately. 

Predispositions to stress include one's perception of the stressor, stress tolerance, and a lack of external resources and social support. Having proper stress reduction and management techniques are essential for all individual’s health. When stress starts to become chronic there are many negative symptoms that may occur which only fuels the stress. Dissociating, feeling lightheaded, clenching your teeth, hair loss, increased sensitivity to pain, and reduced fertility are a few symptoms. In addition, individuals may experience hot flashes, ringing in the ears, bloating, joint pain, headaches, and a weakened immune system. 

Because prolonged stress has such a negative impact on humans, stress management techniques provide opportunities to take back control of one’s life. Accepting that some events are out of our control, time management, seeking social support, and reducing tobacco, alcohol, and drug consumption will all reduce stress. Exercise such as running, swimming, and dancing help reduce stress while improving sleep in return. Lastly, making sure that you are eating healthy is vital to stress. Always be sure that each day you have the proper amount of vitamin c, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids in your food or vitamins so that the body is ready to process stress. 

Feeling stressed is natural, but allowing the stress to become chronic and consume one’s life is extremely unhealthy. One of the best stress management techniques is seeking professional help when you’re unsure how to cope. As always, we at Perspectives Anew Therapy are here to guide our clients through stressful times and help them overcome these intense feelings.