Stress affects our wellness more than we realize it. Stress is the body’s reaction to adverse or demanding situations. The body activates the fight-or-flight mechanism to deal with stress, which is a necessary response to help us through the stressful situations and even grow stronger, such as the effect of exercise. However, it is when the stress becomes chronic and overwhelming that it creates health problem for us.
Stress happens to every one and comes from everywhere, work, family, financial status, relationship, society, etc. Sources of stress are different for different individuals. The same situation can be perceived stressful for some but exciting for others, such as being on a stage or when given a challenging task.
Chronic stress can lead to chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, mental health issues, and obesity. This article provides some resources on dealing with stress.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress
Emotional
- Irritable, moody, easily agitated
- Feeling tense and anxious
- Feeling bad about yourself
- Having low energy
Physical
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Unable to sleep
- Falling sick more often
- Loss of sexual desire or ability
- Rapid heart beat or chest tightness
- Clenching jaw or grinding teeth
Cognitive
- Constant worrying
- Forgetful
- Racing thoughts
- Inability to focus
- Pessimistic
Behavioral symptoms
- Change in appetite
- Procrastinating
- Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
- Exhibiting more nervous behaviors, e.g. nail biting, fidgeting, and pacing
Dealing with Stress
- Ten easy ways to manage stress
- Eight quick things you can do to de-stress
- 20 Tips to Cope with Stress
- Use breathing therapy
Breathing techniques can help calm down the nerves and relax the mind. There are plenty of breathing apps you can find. One good example is the app Calm. Many smart watches nowadays such as Apple watch and Fitbit also come with built-in breathing app.
Services for Mental Health Support
If you feel the level of stress you are experiencing is beyond your control, you are highly encouraged to find professional help and deal with it as early as possible.
Counseling services in Singapore
Do you have any success stories of dealing with stress? Share your story at our facebook page by commenting on this post.
0 Comments