How many of us have stress? How many of us are able to manage stress? What do you think stress looks like? Well, let's talk about it. Unfortunately stress happens to everyone. Whether you are waiting for an answer from an interview, starting a new class, meeting new people, you got into a car accident, you were late for work, you got into an argument with your friend/partner/spouse, covid-19, remote learning, working from home, the water heater broke, and the list can go on and on. Everyday something may happen in our lives that may cause us to feel stress. Stress can impact our physical and mental health. But if we can identify what we feel, then we can do something to alleviate some of the stress.
Effects of stress:
Insomnia(the inability to sleep)
Difficulty concentrating
Change in eating habits ( increase or decrease)
Headaches/aching muscles (migraines)
Changes in behavior(becoming withdrawn, aggressive, and unpredictable)
Hypertension(high blood pressure)
Coping techniques:
Relax by doing something that you enjoy:
Things that make us feel good produces calmness and emotional stability. Relaxing can relieve the effects of stress, and produce chemicals in your body that release serotonin( hormones that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness). Meditation is another great way to relax and de-stress. Learning how to control your breaths while paying attention to the stillness of your body can also help you manage stress. Painting, drawing, and coloring are also ways to relax and relieve tension and built up stress.
Spend time with friends/family/significant other:
When you spend time with loved ones it can relax you and bring you a sense of peace. You no longer feel that things are out of your control. Physical touch(hugs) can be positive and causes feelings of safety and comfort.
Exercise:
Incorporating exercise in your daily routine can help relieve stress. It can make you feel better and helps to reduce the levels of your body's stress hormones( adrenaline and cortisol). Exercising helps to produce endorphins( chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators).
Sometimes stress impacts our physical and mental health; however by identifying what is causing you stress and adding coping techniques to your daily routine, stress can be managed.
Share your techniques of coping with stress. We would love to hear your perspective.
Sincerely,
Women with Voices-A Brown Girls Perspective LLC.