In certain situations, stress enables an individual to grow, develop and learn valuable lessons throughout their life.
However, 74% of the British public find themselves overwhelmed and crippled with stress on a regular basis.
Sadly, those that find themselves repeatedly overwhelmed with stress are at risk of developing several physical and psychological illnesses.
To help you understand how you can deal with the stress you may face in your life, we have provided a number of self-help tips for dealing with stress below.
Physical and Psychological Illnesses and Symptoms Related To Stress
Prior to sharing our self-help tips for dealing with stress, it may be beneficial to understand the physical and psychological illnesses and symptoms related to stress.
While many fail to realise it, stress is one of the most common reasons that individuals make appointments to see their local doctor.
In fact, 40% of all doctor’s appointments in 2018 resulted from stress and other mental health disorders.
Stress, like many other mental health disorders, sadly sees individuals experience both physical and psychological illnesses. However, many overlook stress as the sole cause of these. This is often due to a lack of understanding of the ramifications stress has.
Below, we have outlined just a few of the physical and psychological illnesses and symptoms that commonly arise when an individual faces and is unable to navigate increasing bouts of stress.
- – Chest pains
- – Body aches such as muscle aches
- – Irregular heartbeat
- – Heart palpitations
- – Fatigue
- – Insomnia
- – Frequent headaches
- – High blood pressure
- – Digestive issues
- – Feeling unhappy
- – Depression
- – Anxiety
- – Panic attacks
- – Increased agitation
- – Mood swings
- – Isolation
- – Paranoia
- – Suicidal thoughts
Although stress may well be the underlying factor for the above illnesses and symptoms, if you do experience any of the above, please consult with your doctor. This will ensure that any health complications not related to stress can be ruled out.
You could also contact our residential rehab to determine whether stress may be causing you to experience physical and psychological symptoms.
Our Self-Help Tips For Dealing With Stress
As and when you experience stress and become subject to the symptoms noted above, you may feel as though you are trapped and unable to relieve yourself of the feelings associated.
If this resonates with you, there are various ways that you can help yourself deal with stress as and when it arises.
To better support you, we have provided our self-help tips for dealing with stress that we are confident will see you able to combat stress more effectively.
1. Consider What Is Causing You To Feel Stressed
As and when stress arises, taking the time to stop and reflect on the factors causing you to feel stressed will effectively help you cope.
For many individuals, increased pressure at work increases stress levels. In contrast, for others, family life or social situations may be the root.
By considering the source of your stress, you will have the ability to determine what you can do to deal with stress better and devise coping strategies to alleviate stress in the future.
2. Exercise
Exercise is hugely beneficial, not just for an individual’s physical health but also for mental health and well-being.
Irrespective of whether you decide to go for a walk or take part in fitness classes, increasing the amount of exercise that you do on a daily and weekly basis will reduce your stress hormones and release feel-good endorphins that will instantly elevate your mood.
In turn, you will feel positive, optimistic and able to deal with stress better.
3. Establish A Routine
Although establishing a routine may not be at the top of your to-do list when it comes to dealing with stress, creating a daily routine will help you navigate stressful periods.
This is because when a routine is implemented, you will find that you have more control over your day-to-day life, which will, in turn, reduce the amount of stress you may face.
When considering your routine, we would highly recommend incorporating the following;
- – Time for yourself
- – Time for work
- – Sleep routines
- – Mealtimes
- – Exercise
While unanticipated factors may arise throughout your day, such as an urgent work meeting, having a routine in place will ensure that you can reduce the amount of stress you encounter.
4. Ensure That You Have A Good Work-Life Balance
Across the UK, stress is often a result of a poor work-life balance. Although employer contracts state the hours that an employee is expected to work, 66% of employees report that they often work additional hours, either within the office or at home.
Sadly, overworking increases stress and, in many cases, leads to burnout.
To deal with stress better, you must ensure that you have an excellent work-life balance. Essentially, this means that you must avoid overworking.
If you have found yourself struggling to secure an excellent work-life balance and often feel pressured to work after hours, it may be beneficial to have an open and honest conversation with your employer.
5. Take Advantage Of Therapy
While many stigmas surround therapy, taking advantage of the help and support that is readily available to you via NHS and private therapists will ensure that you have the outlet you need to discuss the factors that cause you to experience stress.
Although the thought of discussing your feelings may leave you feeling apprehensive, doing so will assist you in alleviating the stress you feel on a daily basis, and will ensure that you adopt a brighter outlook on life.
Contact Asana Lodge Today
If you have attempted to take advantage of our self-help tips for dealing with stress yet still find yourself unable to cope with the stress you face in life, please contact us to determine how we can support you.
Sources
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/about-us/news/survey-stressed-nation-UK-overwhelmed-unable-to-cope
https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/news/40-per-cent-of-all-gp-appointments-about-mental-health/
Two-thirds of UK employees are overworking by six hours per week
