Stress and anxiety can be challenging but what is it and how can we help ourselves?
• What is Stress?
Stress is your body’s natural response to perceived threats or demands. The positive is that it can be a helpful motivator, pushing you to act. However, when stress becomes overwhelming and chronic, it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, depression, and a weakened immune system. So, stress is like your body’s alarm system. It helps you stay sharp and take action. Chronic stress is when your alarm system is stuck on “high alert,” and that’s when it can start causing trouble .
• What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear about future events and while it's normal to feel anxious occasionally, excessive anxiety can interfere with your daily activities. You may have heard of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) which is exactly as it describes when you are not sure why you are anxious as there are no obvious causes. You may suffer from Panic Attacks or symptoms. Or a Social Anxiety issue if anxiety becomes a constant presence.
Anxiety is like having a tiny worry monster in your brain that keeps asking, “What if?” all the time. It’s normal to feel anxious before a big event, like a first date or a job interview. But if your worry monster never takes a break and keeps you from enjoying life.
• Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety
- Constant worry or fear: Your brain feels like a hamster on a wheel.
- Restlessness or irritability: Feeling like you’ve had too much coffee.
- Difficulty concentrating: Your mind keeps going over and over with unhelpful thoughts.
- Rapid heartbeat: Your heart thinks it’s running a marathon.
- Muscle tension: Your muscles are tense and in overdrive.
- Sleep disturbances: Your mind won’t switch off.
• Why Do They Happen?
Stress and anxiety have a lot of causes, but here are some usual ones.
- Work-related pressures: Deadlines and workloads that make you feel like you will never catch up or you cannot switch off.
- Financial difficulties: Worrying about money and feeling driven.
- Relationship problems: love and friendship, family.
- Health issues: When your body decides you need to listen to it.
- Major life changes: Moving, changing jobs, or any big shift that makes you feel like you’re on a roller coaster.
• These are ways that may help:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a highly effective treatment for stress and anxiety. It helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with healthier ways of thinking and behaving. With CBT, you’ll learn how to manage your anxiety in a practical and sustainable way.
- Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating relaxation techniques into your life can significantly reduce your stress levels. Try deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery to help you relax and stay calm.
- Benefits of Therapy: When you engage in therapy for stress and anxiety, you'll experience numerous benefits, including:
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- Improved coping mechanisms
- Enhanced emotional resilience.
- Better sleep quality
- Increased self-awareness
- Healthier relationships
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• Affirmations may be helpful
"I am in control of my stress and anxiety. I understand their causes and am taking steps to manage them effectively."
Or
“I am making good choices for myself.”
• Looking At The Overall Lifestyle
I do what is called a Wheel of Life so that I can check if the plan is satisfying and balanced to cover areas like, Family and Friends, Career or Hobbies, Finances, Health, Home Environment, Fun & Leisure, Personal Growth.
• Health
Using the Lifestyle questionnaire will highlight the minerals and vitamins that may enhance your well-being and energy.
• Fun Fact!
Did you know that a little bit of stress can actually be good for you?
It helps you stay motivated and focused. but make sure it doesn’t overstay its welcome!
Understanding Stress and Anxiety by a Hypnotherapist and Life Coach.
Disclaimer:
Information and other content provided in Lily & Loaf blogs should not be construed as medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise. If you have any medical concerns, you should consult with your health care provider.
