STRESS

People and Stress

How do people deal with stress?

Stress is a common feeling that many individuals feel. It can be caused by external factors in the environment and interactions that people have, or it can be caused by internal emotions. Stress comes in many forms and some people are better at acknowledging and coping with their stress better than others. The symptoms of stress can feel physical, like sensations in your body, or it can be only in your thoughts and feelings.

What makes us stressed?

There are many factors and situations that can make a person feel stressed. Feeling stressed is one of our body’s natural responses to pressure, whether that’s caused by external or internal factors. Whether you feel stressed because of certain triggers or situations, stress is a common feeling that many people experience. Some individuals might experience a large amount of stress to the point where they feel physically uncomfortable and overwhelmed, while others might only feel a small amount of stress.

Here are some common reasons people might feel stressed in their lives:

Having a job you’re unhappy about

Having a bad job or work environment can cause a significant amount of stress on a person. An individual spends on average seven to eight hours working at their job, and another few hours commuting to work. If you don’t enjoy the work you do or the people you work with, it’s very easy to constantly feel burnt out.

You might get overwhelmed with all the tight deadlines and projects you have to do or you don’t enjoy your tasks and feel a lack of motivation to be productive. As a result, you’re stressed about getting everything done on time and in good quality because all the stakeholders are expecting excellent results. If you’re often working overtime to catch up with work, taking work home with you, or constantly thinking about what needs to be done the next day, you could easily get stressed out.

You might also feel like you don’t get along with certain employees or there is a lack of opportunities for career development. Whatever the case is, it can definitely create a significant amount of worry and stress in your life.
It can definitely be tough doing something you don’t enjoy for long hours every work day. On one hand, you might need the job to sustain your lifestyle, pay your bills, and support your family. On the other hand, not feeling fulfilled and satisfied in your employment can cause stress regarding your next career move.

Increased financial obligations

Finances are stressful for many people. Whether you’re just starting a savings account or considering a large and expensive purchase, money and good financial management strategies are important to ensure you have the security to pay for the things you need and want in your life.

It can be tough to know whether you’re organizing and managing your finances correctly. If you have a mortgage, rental property, bills, and insurance, it can become tricky to manage everything because of all the payments and paperwork involved.

Large life events

Big life events and changes are another huge cause for stress because your life is going through a drastic transition. Large events can be a wedding, a child, a funeral, or moving into your first home.

The emotional feelings of stepping into a new chapter of your life or losing a loved one can create stress because you lose the sense of security or comfort you had before this transition. You might be fearful of what happens in the future and the challenges or setbacks you might face.

Who is affected by stress?

Anyone can be affected by stress. It’s a natural sensation that the body has pressure and uncertainty. Individuals that might be more prone to experience higher rates of anxiety might include single parents, individuals that care for the elderly or family members that are sick, people that lack financial stability, and individuals that are going through large transitions.

These individuals tend to have the most pressure and responsibilities that are caused by internal emotions and external factors. As a result, they might feel more stress in their lives as they try to navigate these tougher times.

How to relieve stress without overeating?

Everyone copes with stress in different ways. While overeating is one way to handle and relieve stress, it’s not healthy nor sustainable for your mental and physical health. Here are some health ways to relieve stress in your daily life:

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to focus on a single activity and distract yourself from what’s causing you stress. Physical activity is proven to create endorphins, which is a feel-good chemical that naturally makes you less stressed and in a better mood. It can also allow you to refocus on your body and how it feels to help stay present. For example, if you choose to go ona hike or run, you can spend time focusing on your breathing and looking at your surroundings to appreciate the moment instead of worrying about the things that are making you stressed.

Meditation

Meditation is one of the best ways to focus your attention on the present and shut down any thoughts that are stressing you out. It helps bring a sense of calm and peace to make you feel more relaxed. Many people choose to meditate in a quiet environment which also helps reduce any external factors that are causing you stress in the moment.

Talk to other people

Most people are social beings that benefit from interacting with other people that are like minded. Find time to hang out with your friends and family or try to make new friends. Reaching out to others can break your habit of isolating yourself whenever you’re stressed. They can help distract you from the stressful triggers and offer advice or help when needed.

What happens to the body during stress?

When you’re under pressure or feel threatened, the nervous system and your body responds by releasing stress hormones. This includes physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, rising blood pressure, and faster heart rate. You might also feel butterflies in the stomach or a need to run away from the situation.

What are some ways to prevent stress?

Having good habits and hobbies that bring routine and enjoyment in your life can definitely help you deal with stress in a healthier way. You can try drawing boundaries in your life so you have time to take a break for stressful situations. You can also try regularly maintaining a healthy diet, exercise routine, and sleep schedule to ensure your body is well-rested and healthy to tackle each day.

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Respectfully,
Heidi & Ross

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G Ross Clark C.C.P.,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada,
Email- TheMindfulCoach@gmail.com,
Training- MBSR Training