31 May 2024
Stress is part of adult life, as different personal, work or home situations can leave one feeling anxious or exhausted. Even minor things can trigger stress and make the situation seem challenging to overcome. Instead of making unnecessary changes in your life, these challenges should be managed well, not fought off like a battle between mind and physical well-being.
Try to stabilise situations at work and home while working out the main problem. After that, you can figure out what you need to do. It’s also important to look at the resources available to help you understand and work through the problem. Allow you mind to adapt to changing conditions and better understand where the danger lies.
What does chronic stress feel like?
Chronic stress can be overwhelming and consuming. It often manifests as a persistent feeling of unease and tension, both mentally and physically. Emotionally, it can lead to heightened anxiety, irritability, and a sense of being on edge. Physically, chronic stress can result in symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
The mind may feel as if it’s constantly racing, making it challenging to focus or relax. Individuals experiencing extreme stress may also notice changes in appetite, eating either significantly more or less than usual. Chronic stress can be exhausting, affecting many aspects of daily life. It can feel like a heavy weight pressing down, making it difficult to find relief or calmness. It may also lead to a host of other health issues, from depression to disruptions in the immune system and hormonal response.
Where does it come from?
Research suggests that family history, environmental triggers, and genetic predispositions can play a significant role in the development of chronic stress. Often, adverse childhood experiences lead to chronic stress later in life. These experiences may include poor mental health of the parents, divorce, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or homelessness. By delving deeper into these underlying factors, individuals can be better equipped to find coping mechanisms and therapy options tailored to their needs. Identifying symptoms early paves the way for seeking the necessary help and support, ultimately leading to healing and long-term relief.
Coping mechanisms
From mindfulness to therapy sessions and daily stress-release practices, the journey towards managing chronic stress involves a multifaceted approach. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective, as it has regular physical exercise, which will release the necessary endorphins and a healthy diet. Meditation can promote relaxation and mental clarity, while taking breaks and prioritising self-care activities, such as reading or spending time in nature, can provide much-needed relief.
Building a solid support network and seeking professional help, such as therapy or counselling, are essential steps in breaking the cycle of chronic stress. Furthermore, establishing healthy boundaries, managing time effectively, and practicing positive thinking can be beneficial. Breaking the cycle of chronic stress is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Understanding the connection of our mental and physical well-being is vital. Thankfully, with the right tools and support, achieving a more balanced and peaceful state of mind is possible.
Lyra Health, Inc. provides administrative, technology, and other related services to the professional practices it supports, and does not itself provide any mental health, medical, or other healthcare provider services. Ref: www.lyrahealth.com