We all experience stress at one time or another throughout our lives. Problems occur when an individual perceives themselves as unable to cope with the level of stress they face, this may be when they have pushed their physical self beyond what is the norm, or when emotionally one is overwhelmed by a challenging situation.
Stress is often used as a blanket term that’s used to describe feelings ranging from minor irritation to the cause of a mental and/or physical breakdown. There isn’t a strict medical definition.
Stress occurs when an individual has
Common Stressors
Death and illness
The passing of a spouse.
Death of a close member of the family
The illness of a child especially a baby or toddler
A serious life-threatening diagnosis
Separation, divorce and reconciliation
Changes in financial circumstances
Loss of a job
Increase in debt
Major mortgage
Repayment of student loans
There are many treatments and techniques that you can implement for stress management, including Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can also help individuals to understand why they think the way they do and how these thoughts can be positively changed to manage the problem.
Hypnotherapy can help you address and manage your stress and anxiety levels, by identifying the root of the problem and the underlying beliefs that you hold about the situation. Through Hypnosis you will be assisted to change your reactions and develop positive coping strategies to help you feel more relaxed and confident in this and future similar situations.
How to start de-stressing
Rule of thumb is to start by taking as much responsibility for your particular situation as you can, look at what you can do to help or manage the situation in a positive state. (Do not blame it on others.) Take a stock of all the different types and sources of stress that you are dealing with at this time. Make a list in order of severity. Balance this reality check and empower yourself with the sentiment that you are able to turn this around and may need the professional services of a life coach or therapist.
Regaining control
Managing your stress levels is really about taking full control of your thoughts, feelings, words and actions. We have to be prepared to examine the premise that we have a choice how we react to any given situation. No person, place, situation or circumstance can rob you of your power to take control, except you give up your power to make choices that are in your best interest.
Build your resilience by strengthening your life skills. Here are some of the critical ones to withstand overwhelming stress:
Communication skills: to express clearly your needs, points of views and setting your boundaries, is empowering.
Listening skills: one who is an active listener learns a great deal about their environment and life in general.
Refusal skills: just simply knowing when and how to say “no” is liberating.
Job skills: learn a new skill every few months to make yourself marketable. There are many free on-line courses.
Goal-setting: visualize where you want to be in all areas of your life and then set the goals with time-lines. Write your action plan and get busy.
Negotiation and Persistence: are special communication skills
Supportive relationships and Enjoying one’s company: are delicate balances to avoid the extremes which is always needing company on one hand while on the other hand there is the temptation to be a recluse.
Empathy: defines one’s humanity. Caring for others and being supportive.
Live in balance and Adaptability: is a true test of doing everything in moderation but adaptable enough to embrace new experiences.
Mindfulness: is a focus exclusively on one task at a time such as eating and being aware of every bite while savoring the distinct flavors.
Tips for taking better care of yourself
Adequate sleep
Get a good night’s sleep every night
Sleep should be restorative and restful
Get to bed an hour earlier to beat sleep deprivation
Well-balanced diet
Whether vegan or not increase your servings of fruits and vegetables
Make the meal colorful and varied
Drink more water daily
Regular exercise
Move a lot more, dance, swim and enjoy the outdoor
Find an exercise routine that you love
Rest and recreation
Take mini-breaks during the work day
Do not neglect to take a vacation each year
Avoid toxic habits
Be resolved to kick smoking and/or bingeing
Invest time and energy in a smoking cessation program
Mental wellness
Laughter is good medicine
Talk therapy will help you to work through your issues
Invest some time in de-stressing your mind and body as this will release more energy, vitality and creativity in your life.