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Recognizing Signs of Stress Affecting Health

Page history last edited by Holly Swyers 7 years ago

What are signs that your stress levels are affecting your health?  

 

Pain
Stress can often manifest as head and body aches as a result of energy exhaustion or too much exertion in general. We do not always realize how tightly we are holding our muscles when we are stressed. 

Mental strain
When your mind is filled with deadlines, tasks, and conflicts, you might feel bogged down and undermine your ability to wind down at the end of the day. When home life is busy and chaotic, then it can be hard to find time to let your body settle and relax. Just as stress can trigger physical pain, the inability to relax can trigger mental strain and leave you unable to make decisions effectively. It can also erode your mental health.

Work difficulties
A stressful work environment can cause physical and mental disruptions and can cause a loss of focus, fatigue, and low levels of motivation. As focus and motivation fade, your ability to do your job effectively will suffer. If you are experiencing these symptoms, consider the possibility that stress is the source of your difficulties.

Sleep issues
Loss of sleep is another common sign of stress. Most people can’t fall asleep at night due to having a lot on their mind. However, sleep is vital in order to function properly in any work or school environment. 

Anxiety and irritability
Another sign of stress is anxiety and irritability. Stress can cause immense sensitivity to the simple obstacles of life while evoking feelings of nervousness. Things that you are usually able to handle easily might seem impossible when you are stressed.

 

Strategies for minimizing and dealing with stress

There are many different ways to cope with stress. One way to deal with daily stress is to simply take a minute for yourself (Grace Lawrence) and release your mind of the tensions presented in the work place and the family sphere. Many people do not understand the importance of self-reflection and personal health. Taking time to focus on yourself is vital to the idea of a healthy mind and body.

Another method of coping with stress is yoga (Rhonda Wright). Being exposed to personal tranquility using the dynamics of yoga can help to clear your mind and can allow you to relax in a different way. 

Exercise and other enjoyable activities can relieve stress (Nicholas Huxley). Exercise has the ability to balance the chemicals in the human mind. Endorphins are released when people participate in physical activities.

Balancing your work load and planning ahead can help minimize stress. Organizing the tasks associated with work and home life can help to manage the basic stressors in life. 

Talking to people about how you feel and gaining perspective from other individuals can help to relieve stress. Expressing to others how different aspects of life cause anxiety for you can assist when determining what can help with your own situation. Other people may be able to provide you with advice as they could be experiencing the same obstacles in their own life.  
     

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