YD News | Three-minute read
Stress is almost unavoidable in today’s world. Because technology expects us to be available to others 24 hours a day. Balancing our commitments and coping with stress in healthy ways can appear impossible at times. A lot of people have one question- How to handle stress? But for everyone, the answer is different!
We rarely take the time, to assess the toll that fear, worry, and distress can take on our bodies and minds. How can you tell if you’re under too much stress?
Everyone’s stress response is unique, so it’s critical to examine your physiological, behavioural, and psychological responses to the strain of life’s demands. Let’s look at some of the most common signs that you’re stressed out.
Symptoms of Excessive Stress
Physiological Symptoms
- Chronic discomfort
- Headaches
- Tension in the muscles
- Nausea
- Making fists or clenching your jaw
- Blood pressure is too high.
Behavioural Indicators
- Substance use has increased (including nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and illegal drugs)
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Overeating and Undereating
- rageful outbursts
- Exercising less frequently
Psychological signs
- Bereavement or depression
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- a lack of motivation or concentration
- Feeling overburdened
- Anger or irritability
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should take action to reduce stress right away. Here are some simple but insightful questions to ask yourself in order to identify areas for improvement or change. Asking the right questions can help you figure out what changes you can make to feel more relaxed and in control of your health.
Self-Evaluation Questions
Who’s in my support network?
Everyone should have positive influences, support providers, and role models for healthy living in their lives. Friends, family members, mentors, spiritual leaders, colleagues, and mental health professionals are all examples of people who can help.
What kinds of activities do I enjoy?
Your work may be enjoyable, but everyone requires hobbies that aren’t about competition or personal achievement. What helps you relax and become more conscious of your body? Reading, dancing, gardening, board games, crafts, and so on are examples of such activities.
What are my sleep habits?
You’ll be able to think more clearly, boost your immune system, and concentrate better on work and relationships if you get about 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. A simple step like turning off screens an hour before bed can make a significant difference in the quality of your sleep.
Am I saying “no” to unnecessary tasks?
Ideally, you should be able to delegate tasks that require too much of you, are not your responsibility or do not align with your personal values and goals. If you’re not sure where to begin, look at your schedule and to-do list to see what can be delegated or eliminated entirely.
Am I organized? Start to declutter your life
When you can manage tasks with an accurate schedule and a prioritized to-do list, you reduce the unnecessary anxiety that comes with a cluttered and confusing agenda.
When and how do I practice relaxation?
Relaxing can be as simple as reading a book, going for a walk, or listening to music. Perhaps you should spend a few minutes each day taking deep breaths, or perhaps yoga or meditation can provide the necessary time for tuning into your body.
Do I know professionals who can help?
A yearly physical can help you evaluate the impact of stress and generate solutions. Mental health professionals can also provide valuable insights into your behavioural and emotional health and assist you in developing a plan for a balanced life. A therapist can teach you various stress-relieving techniques.
Transformation phase
If you are feeling overwhelmed by a self-assessment and don’t know where to begin, start with your immediate physical concerns.
As you begin to make changes, keep track of what relieves your stress, and don’t be afraid to take notes. Finally, sharing the journey of change can make it more exciting, so consider enlisting the help of a friend as an accountability buddy. You can encourage each other to deal with stress and prioritize your physical and mental health if you work together.
True transformation begins with asking probing questions and playing detective with your mind and body. Begin taking notes and initiating conversations with people who can assist you. Stress will always play a role in your life, but it does not have to be the antagonist. You can regain control of your mind and body with the right mindset.