Stress refers to a feeling of physical and emotional tension, and it can arise from any situation or thought that makes you frustrated, worried, or angry. When your body is challenged or demanded to do something beyond its normal functioning, it reacts by becoming stressed. If you are wondering how to cope with unusual stress in Poway, here is what you need to know before booking an appointment to see a therapist.

What are the various kinds of stress?

Not all stress is bad. Some stress helps keep people in check, accomplishing their goals, such as preparing for exams. Traumatic stress ensues after a terrible event like a car accident, war, assault, etc. Routine stress hails from the pressure of daily activities like juggling household chores and a full-time job. According to a recent Harris Poll, pandemic stress is something new everyone is grappling with, especially essential workers and communities of color.

If allowed to fester for too long, this discomfort morphs into chronic stress and starts to wreak havoc in your body. There are many coping mechanisms of stress, so it does not affect your life negatively.

Know your stress

The first step in stress management is understanding the kind of stress you a dealing with and its source. If you recently moved to a new city, started a new job, and have young children, stress is bound to happen. Dealing with many changes at once can give you sleepless nights, anxiety, and decreased appetite. Knowing what is happening can help you prioritize things to avoid burnout.

Coping strategies

Observe how you cope when you feel overwhelmed. Do you turn to the bottle? Do you take a steam bath? Some people use retail therapy as a coping mechanism, while others engage in harmful activities like drinking too much. Overindulging in alcohol only yields temporary relief, and it is detrimental to your health. Instead, speak to a qualified therapist to devise better solutions.

Prioritize self-care

Contrary to popular belief, self-care is not just something you do when exhausted and stressed out by work or other spheres of life. Everyone should practice self-care on a routine basis to break away from demands and recharge mentally and physically. Exercising outdoors is a great example of self-care to take your mind off your daily routine.

Establishing boundaries

Work-related stress can result from saying yes so much that your workload is never-ending. There is a difference between fulfilling the terms of your contract and people taking advantage of you. If you usually find yourself picking up the slack for others, it is time you created healthy boundaries for your sake.

Affirmations and imagery

Positive imagery can lead to positive emotions, which alleviates stress, and the opposite is also true. Create a vision board with inspiring pictures, mantras, and any positivity-filled messages, and have a look at it every morning. Photos of the Amalfi Coast may inspire you to keep going so you can afford a vacation. A picture of you speaking at a conference will remind you of work-related achievements.

Stress is expected as one navigates through life’s ebbs and flows, but it can also be harmful. You must be proactive when dealing with stress, so it does not escalate to mental problems or affect physical health. Consult your doctor to learn more stress management techniques.