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Emotion

Stress

Stress is a normal and necessary part of life, as it can help individuals meet challenges and demands. However, chronic stress, or stress that persists over a long period of time, can have negative impacts on physical and mental health. It is important to learn how to manage stress effectively in order to maintain overall health and well-being.

What Is Stress?

Stress is the body's response to any demand or challenge. When an individual perceives a situation as threatening or challenging, the body's natural defense system is activated. This system, known as the "fight or flight" response – prepares the body to either confront the challenge or escape from it.

During this response, the body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This increases heart rate and blood pressure and redirects blood flow away from the digestive system and toward the muscles. These physiological changes can help an individual respond to a threat or challenge more effectively.

Symptoms of Stress

1. Physical symptoms:

  • Headaches

  • Stomachache

  • Muscle tension or pain

  • Chest pain

  • Fatigue

  • Change in appetite or weight

  • Sleep problems

  • Change in sex drive

 

2. Emotional symptoms:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Mood swings

  • Irritability or anger

  • Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Memory problems

 

3. Behavioural symptoms:

  • Procrastination

  • Lack of motivation

  • Change in eating habits

  • Increase or decrease in physical activity

  • Change in sleep habits

  • Substance abuse

  • Nervous habits (such as nail biting or pacing)

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It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors, and it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.​

How I Can Help YOU

Psychodynamic Counselling can help you with stress management in several ways:

Identify the sources of stress: I can work with you to identify the sources of your stress, which can include work, relationships, financial issues, and other life challenges. Once you have identified the sources of your stress, it is easier to develop strategies to manage it.

Develop coping strategies: I can help you develop coping strategies to manage stress, such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). These strategies can help you better manage your stress and improve your overall well-being.

Improve communication skills: I can help you improve your communication skills, which can help you better express your needs and feelings, and resolve conflicts in a healthy way. This can help reduce stress in your relationships.

Provide support: I can provide a supportive and non-judgmental space for you to talk about your stress and any other challenges you may be facing. Having someone to talk to and receive support from can be very helpful in coping with stress.

Encourage self-care: I will encourage you to prioritise self-care and make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This can help you better manage your stress and improve your overall well-being.

Let's Connect

Psychodynamic Counselling can be a valuable resource for managing your stress and improving your overall quality of life.

If you are interested in counselling with me, I encourage you to reach out and schedule a Free ‘Connection Chat’ to determine if I am the right therapist for you. ​I look forward to hearing from you!

​4 Quick Tips on Coping With Stress

Tip 1: Make Time for Hobbies

You need to set aside time for things you enjoy. Try to do something every day that makes you feel good, and it will help relieve your stress. It doesn’t have to be a ton of time -- even 15 to 20 minutes will do. Relaxing hobbies include things like doing an art project, watching a movie, or playing cards and board games.


Tip 2: Slow Down

Modern life is so busy, and sometimes we just need to slow down and chill out. Look at your life and find small ways you can do that. For example, set your watch 5 to 10 minutes ahead. That way you’ll get places a little early and avoid the stress of being late.

Tip 3: Get Moving

When you're stressed, the last thing you probably feel like doing is getting up and exercising. But physical activity is a huge stress reliever.

And you don't have to spend hours in a gym to experience the benefits. Even very small activities can add up over the course of a day. The first step is to get yourself up and moving. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good. It can also serve as a valuable distraction from your daily stressors and worries.

Tip 4: Sleep Enough

Everyone knows stress can cause you to lose sleep. Unfortunately, lack of sleep is also a key cause of stress. This vicious cycle causes the brain and body to get 'out of sync,' and this will only get worse and compound over time.

 

Make sure to get the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Turn the TV off earlier, dim the lights, and give yourself time to relax before going to bed. It may be the most effective stress buster on this list!

Contact Me

To see if we gel together and if

I am the right person for you.

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