Understanding stress
Causes, Effects and How To Cope
Have you ever heard the saying, “familiarity breeds contempt”? It’s easy to overlook the impact of stress in our lives. We all might be tempted to dismiss stress.
We know that stress isn’t all bad; it can be stimulating and motivating. However, when was the last time you checked if the balance has shifted for you?
When did your stress change from helpful to overwhelming and exhausting? When did you last check what’s causing your stress levels to rise? Are you too busy to notice the effect too much stress has on you? What are your personal warning signs of stress?
Effects of stress
Remember to pay attention to:
- Your body: For example, are you experiencing tension, aches, or unusual sensations in your chest or gut?
- Your mind: For example, do you feel worried, pessimistic, or mentally less capable than usual?
- Your behaviour: For example, have you been more irritable or short-tempered with loved ones? Are you relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol, [other substances], or comfort foods?
Take a moment to check in with your “self” and your stress levels.
There are the better-known states of “Fight” or “Flight” but there’s also “Freeze” and “Fawn”. So, when understanding stress for you as an individual please note there are likely to be clues, early warning signs, unique to you that are not on general “Stress charts” or signs listed in the above or generally.
How to cope with stress
Now please, take another moment to check in with your unique “self” and unique stress response in response to unique, personal triggers. Understanding stress requires taking an individualised perspective.
See the Mental Health Organisation’s UK website on Stress, including 99 top tips to handle your stress (understanding stress on you as a person is a great step)!
See our page on stress or just Contact us today for help with your individualised stress
