9 Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety

Stress can come in many different forms, but it will affect everyone in some form at some point in their lives. While most instances of stress are normal and part of everyday life, large amounts of stress can have consequences for both the body and mind, some of which can even be deadly if not managed accordingly.

If you are dealing with high amounts of stress, you may be in search of a method of management to combat these negative feelings and any associated anxiety. In order to find a way of managing stress and anxiety, it’s important to first determine the cause of your stress and the ways in which it is altering your life. By pinpointing what triggers your stress and anxiety, you can begin a path to an effective course of action that may greatly improve your quality of life.

What Are the Different Types of Stress?

 

Acute Stress

 

Acute stress is the most common among forms of stress. It can be caused by the demands and pressures of the past or future. While it can be thrilling in small doses, too much acute stress is exhausting and can lead to psychological distress in the form of headaches, an upset stomach or other physical symptoms. As the symptoms are easily recognized by most people, it does not carry the same risks as long-term stress.

Episodic Acute Stress

 

While acute stress is usually nothing to worry about, there are some people who experience it so frequently that it has a negative impact on their lives. This is called episodic acute stress. If you are frequently stressed, you may feel as if your life is riddled with chaos. You may also be short-tempered, anxious, irritable or tense and experience a range of physical symptoms, including the following:

•   Persistent tension headaches
•   Hypertension
•   Migraines
•   Chest pain
•   Heart disease

Whether your stress stems from the workplace or from your relationships, episodic acute stress may require a combination of treatments.

Chronic Stress

 

There is a very real reason for the phrase “stress kills.” Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your life. While acute stress can be attributed to work or other causes, chronic stress is usually associated with larger issues, such as poverty, a dysfunctional family, or being unhappy in a marriage or career. If you are experiencing chronic stress, you might feel helpless, as if there is no end in sight to the situation making you miserable. You might even become accustomed to these feelings. The results of this can be deadly. Chronic stress can cause suicide, heart attack, violence, stroke and, in some instances, even cancer.

Are Stress and Anxiety Related?

 

While the terms “stress” and “anxiety” are often linked, they are not the same. Not everyone who experiences stress experiences anxiety, although anxiety can be one of the many symptoms associated with stress. These anxious feelings may exacerbate your worries, driving your stress to new levels. Managing stress and anxiety is important as high levels of these negative feelings can lead to other mental health issues down the road.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

 

In order to effectively manage your stress, you must determine its root causes. Once you’ve done this, you can take steps to minimize its negative physical and physiological effects. Consider the following in managing stress and anxiety:

•      Eating a healthy diet
•      Engaging in regular exercise
•      Getting adequate sleep each night
•      Limiting intake of caffeine and alcohol
•      Meditating
•      Scheduling time to participate in hobbies
•      Keeping a diary of your feelings
•      Practicing deep breathing exercises
•      Talking to a friend

Therapy can also be highly effective in managing your stress and anxiety. It can help you determine the underlying causes of your stress and anxiety, teaching you how to relax and view situations in new, less threatening ways.

While therapy can be extremely effective in managing your stress and anxiety, it’s important to seek methods tailored to your specific needs. According to the American Psychological Association, people who attend therapy may show significant improvement within just 8 to 10 therapy sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy is frequently used to manage anxiety, as is group behavior therapy. There are also a number of natural remedies that can help in relieving anxiety. It’s important to explore a variety of options to determine your best shot at managing and alleviating the symptoms of your stress and anxiety.

 

Do you suffer from stress and anxiety? Which methods do you use to cope? Tell us in the comments below. 

---

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products sold by Healthy Hemp Oil are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on our website is intended to provide general information regarding our products and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. Read more