Stress management involves a variety of techniques and strategies aimed at helping individuals cope with stress in healthier, more productive ways. Since stress is a normal part of life, learning to manage it is crucial to maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Understanding Stress
- Acute stress: short-term stress that comes from immediate challenges (e.g., a deadline or a public speaking event). It typically resolves quickly and can even be motivating in small doses.
- Chronic Stress: Long-term stress caused by ongoing problems like financial difficulties, work pressure, or relationship issues. Chronic stress can negatively impact health if not addressed.
- Eustress: Positive stress that is motivating and energising, such as starting a new job or preparing for a competition.
- Distress: negative stress that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope and can lead to anxiety, depression, or burnout.
Common Sources of Stress
- Work-related stress: deadlines, workload, job insecurity, or conflicts with coworkers.
- Financial stress: money worries, debt, or economic instability.
- Relationship stress: issues with partners, family members, or friends.
- Health concerns: managing illness or taking care of others with health problems.
- Life changes: events like moving, divorce, or the loss of a loved one.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress
- Physical: headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, sleep problems, digestive issues, increased heart rate.
- Emotional: Irritability, anxiety, sadness, mood swings.
- Behavioural: overeating or undereating, substance abuse, social withdrawal, neglecting responsibilities.
- Cognitive: difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, forgetfulness, negative thinking.