Managing Stress for Better Health: Stress Awareness Month

Stress is not just an issue or diagnosis but a complex process that fluctuates in intensity and duration. It’s a feeling of being under abnormal pressure due to various factors in life. We all experience stress as it’s a normal part of our lives, and not all stress is negative. However, too much stress can lead to various physical and mental health problems. According to the World Health Organisation, stress is a global health crisis. About 77% of individuals routinely experience physical symptoms as a result of stress. 

Since 1992, April has been recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to raise awareness of the adverse consequences of stress in our lives and encourage open discussion about its effects. 

Come with us on a journey to explore the causes of stress and discover some valuable tips for managing stress. To learn more, continue reading.

Understanding Stress: Recognizing Its Signs

Stress is the natural response of our body toward new or unexpected situations. When we face stress, our body releases certain hormones that trigger a fight or flight mode. This sudden response helps us react effectively to potentially stressful situations. Whether you’re facing a tight deadline, dealing with personal challenges, or encountering unexpected obstacles, stress is normal. 

Here are some common indicators that may suggest you’re experiencing high levels of stress:

• Muscle tension or pain
• Irregular sleep and exhausted feeling
• Chest ache or a rushing sensation in the heart.
• Easily irritated or furious
• Procrastination or neglecting responsibilities
• Sadness or depression
• Low immunity power
• Frequent panic attacks
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Loss of sexual desire and ability.
• Overuse of technology and addiction to drugs.
• Lack of Motivation: decline of interest in once-enjoyed activities.
• High blood pressure and digestive problems
• Frequent blushing or sweating.

Causes Of Stress

Have you ever wondered what the actual cause of your stress is? It’s not always easy to spot the exact cause of stress, mainly when multiple factors contribute to it.

Here’s some context to help you understand what might lead to feelings of stress:

• Have a strong sense of pressure
• You may be facing significant changes or transitions in your life, such as moving, divorce, or starting a new job.
• Feeling anxious about something or experiencing uncertainty about the future.
• Lack of control over the outcome of a situation can contribute to stress.
• Feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities that seem too much to handle.
• Experience discrimination, hate, or abuse
• Financial worries about money, poverty, and debt management.
• Job loss, unemployment, exams, difficult work situations, and starting a new job.

Ways To Cope With Stress

Your body can handle short occasional stress that comes and goes during daily tasks. But if you’re dealing with ongoing stress, it’s essential to find ways to cope with it to lower your risk of chronic diseases and other adverse health impacts. Dealing with stress can be challenging, right? But remember that you’re not alone in this. There are some practical steps you can take to manage stress effectively and prevent it from getting the best of you. 

So, let’s dive into some helpful tips to help you cope with those stressful moments.

• One should avoid consuming excessive food out of stress and prioritize healthy diets.  
• Frequent exercise, whether at home or the gym, releases endorphins, improves spirits, and lowers anxiety.
• It is recommended to restrict screen time, especially outside of work or school hours, to decrease stress caused by excessive screen time.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco, as they can worsen stress and harm your physical and mental health.
• Limit your caffeine intake to avoid irritability and disrupted sleep.
• Recognize and minimize stress triggers specific to you, such as overcommitment, by learning to say “no” and seeking support when needed.
•  Make lists to organize tasks and track accomplishments, reducing anxiety and providing a sense of achievement.
• Avoid procrastination by planning and systematically completing tasks, alleviating the stress associated with looming deadlines.
• Stay connected with loved ones through texts or video calls, fostering emotional support and reducing stress through social interaction.
• Listen to soothing music and practice deep breathing, or consider activities like yoga or meditation to promote relaxation and centering.
• Spend time with pets or volunteer with animals to benefit from their calming presence and unconditional love, reducing stress levels.
• Prioritize mental health by establishing routines favorable to your lifestyle and seeking further advice on stress management.
• Seek support from counselors and health professionals if you are feeling overly stressed and impacting your daily routine. 

Prioritize Your Well-Being

Taking care of yourself is crucial when you’re feeling stressed. It’s essential to prioritize your well-being so that you can handle whatever comes your way. Stress Awareness Month’s primary aim is to eliminate the feelings of guilt, shame, and stigma associated with mental health. Additionally, it encourages open conversations, promotes support networks, and fosters a culture of understanding and acceptance surrounding mental well-being.

With Premium Health Care, let’s continue to keep our physical and mental well-being in check. We can create a world where stress is acknowledged and effectively managed for better health and well-being.