Some people might say that stress is part of living and there is no way to avoid it. However, even though everyone is prone to stress — it’s the body’s natural reaction to changes and challenges — there are some things you can do to lessen its effects while also reducing the amount of avoidable stress in your life.
Everyone reacts to stress differently. For some, stress may cause headaches and insomnia. For others, stress may manifest as digestive issues. Besides having to deal with uncomfortable and distressing symptoms, it’s important to remember that long-term or chronic stress can lead to serious health problems. That’s why it’s a good idea to evaluate where your stress is coming from so you can find a way to better manage it. Keep reading to learn about some of the common causes of stress and how to overcome them, and if you’re looking for stress management therapy in Los Angeles, we invite you to contact Blair Wellness Group.
Not Having Enough Time
Do you ever wish that you could have more hours in the day? Does it often seem like no matter how hard you focus or how quickly you move that you can never get everything done? Feeling as though there is never enough time is a common stressor for many people. One way to deal with a packed schedule is to stop and take some time to reassess your priorities. Some tasks can’t be ignored, but are there unnecessary pressures you’re putting upon yourself? Are you taking on more responsibilities than you can handle?
Assessing your priorities and learning to say no are two things that can greatly help to reduce stress levels. Another strategy is to focus on better time management. Are you spending too much time on things that don’t really matter? How much time per day do you spend watching TV, browsing social media, or finding ways to distract yourself from the things that need to be done? Reevaluating your priorities and making a point to tackle the most important tasks first can be very effective for reducing unwanted stress.
Dwelling On the Negative
If something in your life is causing you stress, such as money problems, health concerns, or issues at work, oftentimes the act of thinking about it or dwelling on how unhappy, anxious, or hopeless you feel will only make things worse. Instead, focus on the present and on replacing bad or unconstructive thoughts with positive ones. If something happens that cannot be changed, dwelling on it won’t make it better. Instead, look at challenges and changes as opportunities to learn, grow, and if nothing else, take time to stop and pause.
Not Making Your Health a Priority
Whether your primary source of stress comes from your job, family responsibilities, or a situation that is outside of your control, it’s easy to get caught up in what you’re experiencing and forget about your health. Whether you don’t feel that you have enough time to set aside for exercise, or you find yourself eating and drinking more than you should to cope with stress, chances are you’ll find that you feel worse when you don’t make your health a priority.
Take the time to get in a workout — even if it’s just for 20 minutes. Feed your body with healthy foods instead of trying to save time by going through the drive-through. When your mind is racing or you’re ruminating on the things that are causing you stress, don’t find solace in food or alcohol. Instead, take some time to relax, meditate, and just focus on the present.
Sometimes, taking care of yourself, changing your perspective, and finding positive ways to cope with stress is easier said than done. If you could use some help, contact Blair Wellness Group for stress management therapy in Los Angeles.
