Stress—we can’t live with it, and we can’t live without it. I’m sure that most of us wish that we could. However, stress can be manageable, as hard as it is to believe. Let’s look at stress, how it can affect us, and the healthy ways we can cope.
The manifestation of stress can present itself in many ways that can have profound effects on your mental and physical health. The American Psychological Association states that “stress involves changes affecting nearly every system in the body, including how people feel and behave” (American Psychological Association (APA), 2018)
Anxiety and irritability are a couple of the emotional responses to stress. If you are diagnosed with a mood disorder, such as depression, stress may intensify your symptoms. Please do not be afraid to contact your therapist or doctor if your mood worsens or affects your daily life.
When you are stressed, concentrating or retaining information may seem harder. According to studies, stress can diminish the brain’s capacity for processing information and solving problems. (Lupien et al.,2009)
Changes in your normal sleep schedule can be affected. Binge eating or undereating are coping mechanisms that are unsafe. These behaviors can result in a feedback loop, creating a vicious cycle. A feedback loop is when you engage in a certain behavior, for example, overeating, and it creates a response, perhaps a feeling of comfort. That response, at the time, may make you feel better, but it only creates more stress and problems.
What can you do to manage stress? It’s important to learn how to deal with stress in the moment and long term.
Find what works for you. Not everything works for everyone. Here are some suggestions:
Meditation: There are many apps dedicated to meditation and relaxation. Breathing techniques can be helpful at the moment. I like binaural beats videos on YouTube. Binaural beats are 2 different frequencies played simultaneously, that trick your brain into thinking it’s one beat. These then create a response in your brain. There is plenty of information about binaural beats, so that may be another post.
Exercise: if you are physically able to exercise is said to be an effective stress reducer. Endorphins, which are a natural mood lifter, are released through exercise. It can improve sleep and improve your mood. Please consult a physician, especially if you have any physical limitations before engaging in any type of exercise. We don’t want anyone getting hurt.
Healthy living: We all know the general rules of healthy living: a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and exercise. These are important for managing stress. Easier said than done, right? Think of healthy living as the foundation for living the best life you deserve.
So here was a little bit about stress. Do your research, and find what works best for you. There is no quick fix.
Please stay safe.
American Psychological Association. (2018). APA Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association. https://dictionary.apa.org/stress
Lupien, S. J., McEwen, B. S., Gunnar, M. R., & Heim, C. (2009). Effects of stress throughout the lifespan on the brain, behavior, and cognition. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(6), 434-445. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2639
The Life of a Black Sheep 