Stress, simply put, is the feeling of being overwhelmed by excessive pressure. It can stem from various sources such as work, home, or personal circumstances, and everyone copes with stress differently.
Interestingly, what one person perceives as highly stressful, another may consider mildly stressful or not stressful at all. The key issue arises when individuals feel incapable of handling the stress they encounter.
Contrary to popular belief, stress can have both positive and negative effects. As a positive force, it can motivate individuals to perform at their best and increase their energy levels. However, as a negative influence, stress can lead to adverse physical effects and harm our overall well-being.
Stress occurs as a natural response of our bodies to protect themselves when faced with emergencies. In such situations, stress compels us to exert maximum effort in self-preservation. However, when our bodies are prepared to face emergencies that never materialize, the surplus energy has nowhere to go, resulting in negative stress.
Negative stress can trigger emotions like anger, depression, distrust, and rejection, ultimately leading to physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and high blood pressure.
Different occupations may have varying levels of stress, with stress being recognized as one of the primary causes of work-related absences. Research suggests that approximately half a million people in the UK attribute their illness to work-related stress.
Moreover, life changes like the loss of a loved one, entering a new relationship, job promotions, or the birth of a child can also induce stress as we adapt to the adjustments required to cope with these changes.
Eliminating stress entirely should not be our goal; rather, we should focus on finding effective ways to manage it and leverage it to our advantage.
Here are some valuable tips for stress management:
- Prepare yourself to the best of your ability for stressful events.
- Embrace change as a positive opportunity instead of perceiving it as a threat.
- Avoid worrying about things beyond your control.
- Engage in regular physical exercise.
- Maintain a well-balanced diet.
- Aim for approximately 8 hours of restful sleep each night.
- Set realistic goals that are attainable.
- Don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends, and professionals.
Recognizing the signs of stress is crucial for effective management. Here are the common physical, emotional, and mental symptoms associated with stress:
Physical Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Indigestion
- Weight loss or gain
- Pounding heart
- Chest pains
- Dizziness
Emotional Symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Irritability
Mental Symptoms:
- Negative thinking
- Lack of interest
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Forgetfulness
Determining the exact cause of stress is challenging, as each individual responds differently. However, common triggers include loss, change, an uncertain future, conflicts with personal beliefs, and life cycle transitions.
It is important to note that stress can be created by our thoughts rather than the actual events themselves. The brain often fails to distinguish between real and imagined stress.
Treatment for stress can be effectively addressed through targeted mindset coaching using hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and other techniques. The “mynd.works” process, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, empowers individuals to understand their thinking patterns and positively transform them to manage stress.
Remember, it is not the situation itself that causes stress (otherwise, everyone would react the same way), but rather our perception and response to it. Hypnotherapy proves highly effective in managing stress by helping individuals alter their reactions within specific situations.
By achieving a relaxed state and adopting a more positive mindset, one’s feelings about the situation can also become more positive. Consequently, when encountering similar scenarios in real life, the individual’s reaction often differs significantly.
I am committed to providing you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the challenges of stress and lead a fulfilling life, during our time together and for the rest of your life.
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