15 Helpful Ways to Manage Stress
Stress. We hear about it all the time. We talk about it as if it’s a badge of honor for a full, normal life. But really, stress wears on us. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually, we feel the effects of stress in every area of our lives. Not only do we suffer, but the people in our lives can suffer from our stress as well. Our spouses, kids, parents, friends, coworkers, and even the cashier at the grocery store can feel the effects of the stress we carry. Instead of living a life full of stress with no relief, you can be intentional about managing your stress. It will help you more than you can imagine. Let’s start by talking about what stress is. What is Stress? While we may think it’s just another catchphrase to describe living life, stress is a reaction you have to a situation or event that feels pressured or out of your control. This reaction can be to anything in life that affects us emotionally, physically, socially, or spiritually. When you have a stress response, you can feel the effects in a variety of ways. You may recognize these symptoms when you are stressed. Physical symptoms include: High blood pressure Difficulty focusing Aches and pains Trouble sleeping Sexual issues Headaches Stomach issues Chest pain Emotional symptoms include: Sadness Anxiousness Irritability Panic attacks Depression What Causes Stress in Your Life Understanding the cause of stress in your life can feel elusive. Often, we can recognize the symptom or response we are having, without necessarily understanding what caused it in the first place. The interesting thing about stressors is that they are unique to everyone. What stresses one person may not stress another person. While a busy afternoon of errands may be stressful for one person, another [...]
