Stressful Situations

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 What are Stressful Situations?

Stress is a part of normal life. It can occur when you face new changes that require you to make an adjustment. You can experience stress from many things, such as your body, emotions, environment, and thoughts. Stress isn't always caused by negative things either. You can gain stress through things such as a promotion at work, child-birth, and many other things. 


How do Stressful Situations Impact You?

As humans, our bodies are designed to experience stress. Stress can be useful in situations where you need to stay motivated, stay alert, and be ready to avoid danger. However, stress starts to become a bad thing when you face continuous stressful situations. This can cause someone to become overworked, and lead to many negative long-term effects. Long-term, continuous stress is called distress. Distress is linked to the leading causes of death. 

What are the Warning Signs of Stress?

  • Constant dizziness.
  • Consistent aches and pains. 
  • Headaches
  • Sleep issues.
  • Loss of appetite. 
  • High heart rate.
  • Sexual difficulties. 
  • Shaking and trembling. 
  • Weight issues. (Can be gaining weight, or losing weight.)
  • Skin issues, such as increased acne, or eczema. 

The Two Types of Stress:

  1. Acute Stress
  2. Chronic Stress
Acute stress is short-term stress that goes away quickly. It helps you manage dangerous situations, and can be useful in times when you need it. It occurs when you do something new or exciting. Everyone faces this kind of stress every once in a while.
Chronic Stress

Reducing Stress:

People can learn to reduce or control their stress to live happier lives. If you are able to properly control your stress, you can use it as a tool, rather than a potential burden. Some tips to help you reduce your stress include: 
  • Stay optimistic, always keep a positive outlook.
  • Excersize. Your body can fight stress better when it's fit. 
  • Accept that there are events that you cannot control. 
  • Don't be aggressive. Accept others and don't cause arguments. 
  • Set limits to your stress level. Know when you need to take a breather.
  • Be more social. Spend time with your loved ones. 
  • Find time for things you enjoy. Spend more time on hobbies. 
  • Get enough sleep. Your body needs time to recover. 
  • Don't rely on drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes. The less you rely on, the happier you will be. 
  • Try new and interesting relaxation techniques. 

What Should I Do If I Have Problems With Stress?

Stress can be a tough thing to battle. Not everyone can control their stress. If you find yourself in a situation where you are experiencing too much stress, you should:
  • Talk to friends and family. 
  • Try to eliminate the cause of your stress. 
  • Find a way to relax. Do something that will help you calm down, and lower your stress level. 
  • If you are still having issues with stress, talk to a psychologist, or mental health professional that is trained in stress management. These people can help you manage the stress in your life, so you don't feel overstressed. 

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