Stress is inevitable; at one point or another, we will experience it. So just what is stress anyway? It is a physical and emotional reaction that people experience as they respond to changes.
On this page, you will discover some healthy ways to deal with stress.
Stress
Stress can come in many forms, such as a demanding job, a toxic work environment, arguments with loved ones, an unhealthy relationship, witnessing a tragic accident, trauma, etc.
Even stress from positive experiences such as planning a wedding can have the same emotional and physical reaction on your body.
The stress response is a physical action your body undergoes during stressful situations. The brain sends warnings to the muscles, tightening them and to the adrenal glands, causing them to release stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. This is your body´s way to prepare for fight or flight mode.
Stress can worsen chronic health problems and mental health conditions.
Some effects of stress
- rapid heart rate
- tighter muscles
- rapid breathing
- higher blood pressure
- sharper senses
Stress affects us physically and mentally.
Physical
Physical symptoms include:
- migraine/headaches
- back pain
- indigestion
- heart palpitation
- weight loss or weight gain
- increases likely hood of developing blood clots
Stress alters the sugar levels in our blood and can cause fatigue and hyperglycemia. It can pose a series of cognitive problems such as indecisiveness and poor concentration.
Mental/Emotional
Mental/Emotional symptoms include;
- crying
- irritability
- edginess
- prolonged periods of poor sleep
- feelings of isolation/worthlessness or withdrawal
- constant anger and irritability
- loss of interest in activities
- depression
- constant worrying/obsessive thinking
- inability to concentrate
Some healthy solutions to combat stress
Food
Eat healthy meals. Healthy meals can support and strengthen your immune system.
Exercise
Exercise can increase your blood circulation and can balance the nervous system. Exercise can also help your body flush out stress hormones.
Stay connected
Surround yourself with supportive people. You can endure any difficulty with the loving support of family and friends. This support system can give your mental health a boost.
Hobbies
Find the time to do things you enjoy. Get pleasure out of life through your hobbies. Not only will you allow yourself to be more creative, but you will have a break from stressful situations.
Sleep
Get more rest. Go to bed earlier if you have to. Commit to a sleep routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day and also on the weekends.
Meditation can reverse your body´s response to stress by slowing down your breathing and normalizing your blood pressure. It helps calm your mind and body and alleviates emotional and physical stress.
Yoga
Yoga is the oldest practice of self-development. Yoga helps reduce stress and lowers blood pressure and heart rate.
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Journaling is an excellent tool for stress management. Journaling can help reduce distress and anxiety and increases well-being.
Journaling allows you to reflect and deal with unhealthy thoughts and feelings positively. If left unchecked, anxiety can lead to stress.
Boundaries
Set healthy boundaries. Boundaries protect you and others from unpleasant and stressful situations.
Aromatherapy
The scent of soothing plant oils can help alleviate stress.
Laughter
Laugh more. Laughter lowers stress hormones. It can also strengthen the immune system by releasing positive hormones. Set some time for a comedy sitcom or movie regularly.
Counseling
Seek help if you need it. If you have chronic or acute stress it may be necessary to find other ways to combat stress. Speak to a counselor for more treatment options.
Conclusion
It is vital to recognize and deal with stress immediately and appropriately. Your health and well-being depend on stress relief strategies and techniques.
It is wise to take preventive measures and address stress sooner rather than later. With so many healthy ways to deal with stress, you can choose a few that works the best for you.
Take action to alleviate stress today!
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Thank you for taking the time to write the article Dana, I was about to pull my hair out! I have been dealing with blood pressure problems enough and those haven’t even been influenced by these new stresses but simply the result of my physical condition. Hobbies and excercise do help but I believe prayer is most important.
Hi there Joseph,
Thank you for reading my article. No, don´t pull your hair out! I´m glad that you found some success from hobbies and exercise. Prayers can help if you stand in faith, nothing is impossible!
Cheers
Dana
Modern life puts more demands on everybody, which unfortunately does lead to many more people struggling to cope with anxiety and stress. It is very important to recognise the signs of stress and deal with it early on, otherwise stress really can be a killer.
You have mentioned several healthy ways in which one can deal with stress. I often find that one of the first ways to cope with stress, is to concentrate on my breathing. By taking a few deep breaths, you can bring your heart rate down and relax your muscles. And exercise will always make you feel better, even if it just going for a long walk.
Thanks for sharing a great post.
Hi Line,
Thanks for reading. Yes, calming yourself down immediately when you feel stressed, through your breathing is one of the first things you can do to alleviate stress.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Cheers
Dana