Do you have a lot on your plate right now? Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Well, it’s time to relax. April marks National Stress Awareness Month, a chance to better understand stress in your life and how it affects you.
Stress is normal and can actually be good, as the response protects you. For example, stress can increase focus and motivation, as well as help you in emergency situations. However too much within a certain period of time can cause problems. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), there are three different types of stress – routine stress, stress brought about by sudden negative change, or traumatic stress.
People handle stress in different ways, which could include digestive symptoms, headaches, depression, and anger. If left unchecked, overtime stress can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It becomes dangerous when it effects your ability to live a normal life over time.
It is best to not let stress build up. The NIMH suggests the following to help cope:
- Seek help from a qualified mental health care provider if you are overwhelmed, feel you cannot cope, have suicidal thoughts, or are using drugs or alcohol to cope.
- Get proper health care for existing or new health problems.
- Stay in touch with people who can provide emotional and other support.
- Recognize signs of your body’s response to stress, such as difficulty sleeping, increased alcohol and other substance use, being easily angered, feeling depressed, and having low energy.
- Set priorities—decide what must get done and what can wait, and learn to say no to new tasks if they are putting you into overload.
- Note what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
- Avoid dwelling on problems. If you can’t do this on your own, seek help from a qualified mental health professional who can guide you.
- Exercise regularly—just 30 minutes per day of gentle walking can help boost mood and reduce stress.
- Schedule regular times for healthy and relaxing activities.
- Explore stress coping programs, which may incorporate meditation, yoga, tai chi, or other gentle exercises.
Take control and don’t let stress get the best of you!
HelpGuide.org, Stress Symptoms. Signs, and Causes
National Institute of Mental Health, Fact Sheet on Stress
American Psychological Association, Stress