Concerns

Stress Management

Stress is inevitable, a part of life and sometimes necessary – but it’s important to manage your stress levels well to develop resilience and lead a meaningful life. Effective stress management techniques can give you the tools you need.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

What is stress management?

Stress management is the process of using various techniques and strategies to reduce and cope with the negative effects of stress on our mental and physical health.

‍

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes chronic and overwhelming, it can lead to a range of health problems such as:

Anxiety
Depression
High blood pressure
Heart disease

Effective stress management involves identifying the sources of stress in our lives, developing coping skills to deal with them, and making lifestyle changes to reduce stress levels. By learning and practicing stress management techniques, you can improve your overall well-being and resilience and develop character.

Physical
‍Headaches, muscle tension or pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, stomach upset, and other digestive issues.

Emotional
‍Mood changes like anxiety, irritability, depression, anger, and sadness.

Behavioural
Changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from social activities, avoiding responsibilities, and substance abuse.

Cognitive
Difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making.

Relationship problems
Stress can cause problems in relationships, such as increased conflict, communication breakdowns, and decreased intimacy.

Personalised plans to reduce stress levels.

What are the 3 types of stress?

1. Acute stress
Most common type of stress; caused by immediate stressors that are short-lived
E.g. a traffic jam, a deadline, or an argument with a loved one
Usually manageable and can even be beneficial in small doses, as it can increase motivation and alertness
2. Episodic acute stress
Occurs when acute stress happens on a regular basis
Common in people who tend to take on too many responsibilities or have a disorganized and chaotic lifestyle
Can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, as well as health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression
3. Chronic stress
Ongoing type of stress; can be caused by long-term stressors like a challenging job, financial difficulties, or chronic health problems
Can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and depression
Note: It is pertinent to manage chronic stress by seeking support from a healthcare professional or mental health professional

What are the 4 A’s of stress
management?

Many stressors in life can be avoided where possible. The first step is to identify situations or people that trigger stress and take steps to avoid or minimize exposure to them. It also helps to draw healthy boundaries and learn to say no.

If it's not possible to avoid stressors completely, the next step is to alter the situation. This can involve changing the way you approach a task or changing your environment to reduce stress. For example, if a noisy environment is causing stress, you can wear noise-canceling headphones.

When you can’t avoid or alter a situation – adapt. This involves changing your response to the stressor and finding ways to cope, or simply asking yourself if the matter at hand will matter in 5 years time. The answer is often no. For what it’s worth, being adaptable is a good life skill to have and can help set you up for success.

Sometimes it's not possible to avoid, alter, or adapt to a stressor. In these situations, the best strategy is to accept the situation and focus on the positive. This means acknowledging that you can't control everything and find ways to cope and learn from your mistakes. For example, if you're going through a difficult breakup, you can focus on the opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery that the experience presents.

Tailored stress reduction for healthier living.

What is the best way to manage stress?

The best way to manage stress depends on the individual and their specific situation, as different techniques and strategies work better for different people.
‍
Some general healthy techniques include;

Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the body that can improve mood and reduce stress.
Relaxation techniques
Practices like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. These techniques can help you calm your mind and body and reduce tension and anxiety.
Social support
Having a strong support network can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Friends, family, and mental health professionals can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a listening ear when needed.
Healthy lifestyle habits
It may be tempting to turn to drugs and alcohol, but these are just short term fixes and can create additional problems. Instead, eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep to promote overall health.

Comprehensive support for stress relief.

Sustainable, healthy stress management techniques at LMC

At LMC, our health coaches are here to help and guide you to develop healthy problem solving methods and take care of your overall wellbeing.

Through our health coaching programs, you get access to:

Evidence-based health coaching

Holistic assessment including diet, physical activity, resilience to stressors, heart health and more

Personalised program tailored to your unique goals and preferences

We do not prescribe medication.

stress management

FAQs

Health is for everyone