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.
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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.
Headaches, muscle tension or pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, stomach upset, and other digestive issues.
Mood changes like anxiety, irritability, depression, anger, and sadness.
Changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from social activities, avoiding responsibilities, and substance abuse.
Difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making.
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Stress can cause problems in relationships, such as increased conflict, communication breakdowns, and decreased intimacy.
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 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.
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.
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