How Do You Handle Stress?
Overwhelmed by the stress we have been facing over the past few years with the onset of a pandemic in 2020 and increased gun violence?
What is it doing to our minds and bodies? Handling stress is different for everyone. Stress can be acute or chronic. Acute stress is something that occurs and resolves. Chronic stress is when the stressors just don’t let up.
Over time, if you cannot cope with stress, it can affect your mental and physical health. According to the American Psychological Association, long-term ongoing stress can put you at risk for developing:
Depression
Anxiety
Digestive issues
Headaches
Muscle tension and pain
High blood pressure and heart disease
Stroke
Problems sleeping
Weight gain
Concentration impairment
Picture yourself carrying a backpack. The backpack is where you have the stressors in your life. When stress begins to add up, the backpack becomes very heavy. Each added stress weighs you down.
As the backpack gets heavier, you tire easier, your back and neck hurt, and you lose interest in doing anything. You are tired from carrying this heavy backpack all day, and your mental and physical health may be affected. To cope, you may begin to overeat, drink excessively or choose other addictive behaviors that negatively impact your health.
Learn how to lighten the backpack! How can you begin to work at handling your stress differently?
Identify the stress. What is it, and can you change it? Learn how to walk away and take a moment to regroup before lashing out or worsening a situation.
Find support from a fellow employee, best friend, or family member and discuss it. Getting input from someone you respect can help put things in a different light and add a perspective you might not have contemplated.
Self-meditate or think of the things that make you happy. Focus on working through the stressor.
Work on lifestyle modification. Choose a healthy diet rich in nutrients that are good for your body. Limit alcohol or stop altogether. Find an exercise outlet that interests you.
Get help from a licensed mental health professional to manage your stress.
Lighten the load of your backpack and stay focused on protecting your health. Make choices and changes that motivate you to keep you mentally and physically fit.