Stress can be a normal and healthy part of life. Common examples of life stressors might include the week of your deadline for that big project at work, or feeling worried about getting your kids ready in time for the school bus after you overslept.
The initial effects of stress usually go away once you finish that big project or get your kids on the bus just in time. However, what happens when it feels like your work deadlines and projects keep piling up? What happens when you still feel overwhelmed about your family and all the tasks you need to get done today, tomorrow, and so on well after the school bus has already left? Learning when stress becomes unhealthy can help you be proactive in your recovery journey.
What Is Stress?
According to Medline Plus, stress can be physical and or emotional tension. That tension reflects how you react to events and situations that can feel challenging, demanding, or worrisome. Moreover, there is healthy and unhealthy stress, also known as acute and chronic stress. Here are some characteristics of each type of stress.
- Acute stress:
- Goes away quickly
- Is brought on by dangerous situations
- Can be felt from new or exciting situations
- Chronic stress:
- Last for a long time
- Weeks
- Months
- Puts a strain on your physical and mental health
- Last for a long time
How Does Stress Impact Your Body and Mind?
When you experience chronic stress, it can have a detrimental effect on your body, mind, and psychological well-being. According to an article from the EXCLI Journal, many disorders and diseases can be traced back to prolonged issues with stress management. Some examples of the negative effects prolonged strain can have on the body and mind include:
- Changes in cognition
- Memory issues
- Learning difficulties
- Behavioral changes
- Immune issues
- Heart disease
Moreover, as noted in an article from the American Psychological Association (APA), chronic stress can lead to symptoms of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. While the physical and mental consequences may sound overwhelming, you can learn how to manage those feelings for a healthier you.
Learn Coping Skills In Treatment
At The Guest House, we can support your recovery with an individualized approach to treatment that considers your specific needs and experiences. How you experience stress is unique to you, but with a wide variety of therapies, we can build a plan that fits you. An important part of recovery and stress management is developing healthy coping strategies. Listed below are some ways you can engage in self-care when you are feeling overwhelmed:
- Make time for you
- Exercise
- Get enough sleep
- Eat healthily
- Practice relaxation, such as meditation or yoga
- Explore your hobbies
- Share your feelings
At The Guest House, we know that daily life coupled with the weight of trauma can feel overwhelming. We are committed to providing you with a safe and worry-free space to reconnect with yourself. Stress is a part of life, but with our comfort-focused services, you can learn how to process those daily stressors in a safe space.
Stress is a part of life and can be healthy in short bursts. However, prolonged stress can negatively impact your physical and mental health. When you have difficulties managing your stress it can lead to health issues like heart disease and mental health disorders like anxiety. However, developing healthy coping skills like self-care, yoga, art, and sharing your feelings can help alleviate those stressors in your daily life. At The Guest House, we offer a wide range of holistic therapies in a comfort-focused setting to support your long-term healing. Call (855) 483-7800 today.