Change is inevitable. Lately, however, things have gone to a whole new level. You're being dealt change upon change upon change — and you know what that means? S-T-R-E-S-S. Chronic, unexpected change can pile on the stress like nothing else. So now you’ve got two things to deal with: the practical realities of change and the strain that comes with them.
Coping with this situation requires contemplation and intention. You must identify the source of your stress. It also helps to know what kind of stress you’re dealing with. No matter what, rest assured. There are many proven coping skills that can help reduce your stress load.
Understanding the Patterns of Stress
As mentioned, a giant step toward coping with piles of stress is understanding what is happening. We feel stress when some kind of threat, risk, or danger is perceived. It does not have to be real for you to stress over it. When this process becomes chronic, you can become stuck in your stress response. The results will be detrimental to your physical and mental health.
Source
If you’re overthinking or setting irrational expectations about something, your stress may be considered mental. Physical stress arises from bodily pain or discomfort. Being afraid, sad, or frustrated can result in emotional stress.
Type
External: You may be suffering due to poverty or discrimination
Environmental: Related to exposure to toxins of any type
Social: Being ostracized, embarrassed, abandoned, or shamed
Underlying Cause
This usually requires the help of a therapist (see below). You’ll dig below the surface to explore possible roots for what you’re experiencing.
A Few Simple and Effective Ways to Cope When Change Piles on the Stress
1. Get Active
Exercise is a mood enhancer. The more you move, the more your body releases anti-stress hormones. You can use this suggestion in the moment stress strikes. Even better, work exercise into your daily life as a way of building resilience against life’s inevitable stressors.
2. Sleep On It
First of all, there’s the obvious advantage of giving yourself more time to process what you need to process. But, speaking more literally, sleep is a powerful and necessary source of overall health. Maintaining regular patterns of sleep will enhance your well-being in many ways.
3. Distraction
Stress has a way of escalating. The more we focus on it, the more ominous everything appears. A proven method for challenging this trend is distracting yourself. Find something else — almost anything else — to focus on. Set aside time to engage in hobbies or interests. You can also combine this tip with #1 above and use physical activity as a method of distraction.
4. Connect With Others
We are social creatures. Spending quality time with friends and other loved one increases your quality of life. This suggestion combines well with #1 and #4 above. You can exercise with others and/or engage in hobbies and interests with them. This will keep you feeling secure with healthy chemicals flowing as you stay distracted from negative thoughts.
5. Ask For Help
Create a support system. Let people know that you’re struggling. It feels risky at first but isolation will only serve to deepen the impact of stress. If you feel you’re beyond the reach of self-help, contact a trained professional. You are not alone.
Stopping Stress in Its Tracks
Chronic stress can make you feel incapable of handling the basic functions of your life. If you’re at this point, there’s no harm in trying the tips listed above. But you need more. Anxiety therapy is a proven source of relief from stress-related struggles. You’ll identify underlying causes. You’ll discover new approaches. Most of all, you will have a safe space in which to do such life-altering work. Please reach out soon for a consultation.
Our Stress/Anxiety Experts