The Importance of Stress Management

1. Common Causes of Stress

These factors can all lead to stress.

Photo by Hunter Bryant on Unsplash

• Fear and uncertainty. Fear and uncertainty can make you feel stressed when you hear about terrorist attacks, global warming and fracking for natural gas in the news. Even though disasters are rare, they can seem more likely than they actually are due to the media’s intense coverage. Fears that are closer to home can be as severe as those you worry about, like not being able to finish a project at work and not having enough money to pay your bills.
• Perceptions and attitudes. Stress can be determined by how you perceive the world and a situation. If your TV set is stolen, and you have the attitude that “It’s OK. My insurance company will cover for a new one,” it will make you less stressed than if “My TV is gone, and I’ll never get my money back!” How will I feel if they come back to my home to steal more? People who feel they do a good job at work will be less stressed by big projects than those who are worried about their incompetence.

• Unrealistic expectations. Nobody is perfect. You can’t do it all perfectly and you will feel stressed if things don’t go your way.
• Change. Change can be stressful, even happy events like a wedding or job promotion. Stress can also be caused by more unpleasant events like a divorce, financial setbacks, or family death.
• Money.  Money is a common reason for stress; some ways to help stress is to work on the areas that are stressful – so finding ways to save money like conserving energy to save on your Georgia Natural Gas costs and can help alleviate money stress

Your personality and your response to situations will determine how stressed you are. Some people allow everything to roll off their shoulders. For them, life and work stress are minor bumps on the road. Others worry about their own health.

2. Stress Management And Prevention

You can do a lot more to manage stress. These lifestyle changes are worth considering

Physical activity can improve your sleep quality. Better sleep equals better stress management. Although doctors don’t know why, people who exercise more often tend to have deeper “slow wave” sleeping patterns that help the body and brain recharge. Some people have trouble sleeping if they exercise close to bedtime.

Exercise seems to improve mood. One reason is that exercise stimulates the release of hormones such as endorphins, endocannabinoids, which help to block pain, improve sleep quality, and sedate you. One of these hormones (endocannabinoids), may be responsible for the “runner’s high” feeling that some people experience after running long distances.

Exercise makes people feel happier and less anxious. Your body will feel good and your mind will follow. These exercises can help you find stress relief.

• Running
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Cycling
• Aerobics

You don’t need to do a rigorous exercise program if you don’t have the time. There are still ways you can move around your day. These are some tips to help you get moving.

• Instead of driving to the shop, bike instead
• Instead of using the elevator, use the stairs.
• You should park as far away as possible from the door.
• Hand wash your car.
• Make sure you clean your home.
• Take a walk during your lunch break.

3. Self Care For Stress Relief

Taking good care of your self will pay dividends through your whole life, both physically and mentally.  

Diet

Eating healthy food has many benefits that go beyond your waistline. Stay away from good ol’ Georgia comfort foods, even if you think that they have positive effects on your mental health they can cause you gas. Healthy eating habits can reduce stress and improve your immune system. They also help to lower blood pressure, boost your mood, and increase your happiness. Adding sugar and fat to your diet can cause the opposite effect. Junk food can be even more tempting if you are under a lot stress.

Sleep

One common side effect of stress can be difficulty falling asleep. This is known as insomnia. It happens when you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep for more than three days a week. A lack of sleep can increase stress levels and lead to sleeplessness. One way to improve your sleep as well as lower your energy costs is to invest in blackout curtains, which help to block out light and regulate inside temperatures.

Relax

It can be hard to spend time with your hobbies in a fast-paced world. However, if you have extra time and are feeling isolated, try reading, watching TV or painting. You can relieve stress by finding something you enjoy doing.

Talk

Don’t be afraid, if you are struggling with stress, to confide in someone you trust. You may find that they are able to offer some advice. However, if not, it can be helpful to simply put your worries and fears into words.

Bottom Line

It’s natural to be a little stressed about the impact that the virus is having on our community, but there are steps you can take to ensure that it doesn’t overwhelm you. If you focus on self-care, keeping yourself mentally and physically healthy, and thinking positively, you’ll be ready to return to your normal routine.