Opening Statement:
Everyone at any point in their lives can experience stress but no one should feel embarrassed about it or to stop them from seeking help. Unfortunately, stress is one of the things we just can’t hide from. Those of us who are open about it can relate that stress is debilitating, can cause or aggravate other health problems, and in most cases, stress will interfere with family life. Since stress is a normal part of human existence, no one is immune to it. It is important to defend and support ourselves with knowledge so that we can recognize when stress shows its ugly self. Amazingly, for me sometimes, I don’t always notice when it starts happening until it is too late and I’m stuck with feeling so sick to my stomach, zero appetite, lack of desire to talk to anyone, leave my house, and experience many sleepless nights.
Raising Awareness:
· National Stress Awareness Month is recognized in the month of April to raise awareness of the negative impact of stress. There is no single definition for stress, but the most common explanation is physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. While not all stress is bad, long-term stress can have harmful impacts on physical and mental health.
· It’s critical to recognize what stress and anxiety look like, take steps to build resilience and manage job stress, and know where to go for help.
Stress Symptoms May Be Physical or Emotional
Common reactions to a stressful event can include:
1. Disbelief
2. Feelings of fear, shock, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
3. Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
4. Difficulty sleeping or nightmares, concentrating, and making decisions
5. Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
6. Worsening of chronic health problems
7. Worsening of mental health conditions
8. Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
9. It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during traumatic events such as mass shootings, natural disasters, or pandemics
Listed Below Are Ways That You Can Help Yourself, Others, And Your Community Manage Stress
1. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed but hearing about the traumatic event constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple of times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while
2. Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and give yourself a break if you feel stressed out
3. Take care of your body
4. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
5. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals
6. Exercise regularly
7. Get plenty of sleep
8. Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use
9. Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider
10. Get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible and get a booster shot
11. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy
12. Talk to others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or pastor
13. Connect with your community and organizations
14. Avoid drugs and alcohol. These may seem to help, but they can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling
15. Recognize when you need more help. If problems continue or you are thinking about suicide, talk to a psychologist, social worker, or a professional counselor
Closing Statement:
I am not an expert when it comes down to understanding stress and how to manage it, however from my personal experience, you need to take control and learn how to deal with stress as well as depression, and anxiety. Recognizing stress and learning how to manage all these ugly things is truly the first step on feeling better and carrying on with life! Taking a walk, getting some fresh air, and enjoy the many natural and beautiful things around us that we take for granted. I love looking up to the sky and watching all of the beautiful types of birds and butterflies that fly around. Listening to nature e.g., birds chirping, waves from the ocean or bay, is also very calming to me as well. Getting a body massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, for both men and women is also very good. Try these relaxing things, it could work for you.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Personal Experiences
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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