Navigating Stress

Stress is something we all experience—whether it's from work deadlines, personal challenges, or just the pressure of keeping up with daily life. While a little stress can sometimes help us stay focused and motivated, too much of it can take a serious toll on our mental and physical health. It can leave us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from ourselves and others.

The reality check

Experiencing stress is completely normal. It’s a natural physiological and emotional response to threats and challenges, from job changes to financial difficulties to health concerns.

It’s natural to feel stressed out in the face of a difficult or overwhelming situation. But for 1 in 5 people who experience chronic stress, it can lead to long-term health problems if left unaddressed.

Stress is universal. This isn’t about an inability to manage daily life – chronic stress is a prolonged period of physical and emotional strain that can negatively impact your overall health. 

What stress really feels like

Stress is a universal experience, but chronic stress may feel like:

• An unsettling feeling of worry or fear that refuses to leave, as if something is always lurking around the corner 

• A mind that’s constantly racing and unfocused, leaving you feeling distracted, unproductive, and stuck

• A pounding headache or a dizzy, lightheaded feeling that seems to hit out of nowhere, making it hard to focus or get through your day

• A constant churn in your stomach, sudden nausea, or painful stomach cramps that leave you feeling drained and uncomfortable

• Responsibilities that feel suffocating, with seemingly no way out of the chaos

• Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested, which in turn makes it even more difficult to manage stress the next day

• Activities that once brought you joy now feel exhausting or pointless, leading you to isolate yourself and disconnect from people who care

Solutions for managing stress

The good news is that stress is extremely common, and there are plenty of tools that can make a difference.

1. Therapy. Talk therapy is like fitness training for your mental health. A therapist can help you work through your feelings and learn the skills you need to manage stress.

2. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used treatment method for stress that will help you identify and change your thought patterns. Other methods, such as mindfulness-based therapies, can teach you how to stay in the present moment and detach from anxious thoughts.

3. Meditation and relaxation techniques. When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol, the hormone that regulates stress. Techniques like deep breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation aren’t pseudoscience – they’re clinically-proven strategies to help chill out your nervous system.

4. Stress-busting lifestyle changes. Exercise is one of the best remedies for stress because it releases feel-good hormones that have mood-boosting effects. Consider making other small changes to your life – like eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, taking intentional breaks, and learning to say “no” – to make a significant impact on your stress levels.

5. Lean on social support. Finding a support group or opening up to trusted friends or family can make a huge difference. You don’t have to go through stressful times all alone. 

Taking action

Stress is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to control you. With the right strategies and support in place, it’s possible to manage stress and improve your overall mental and physical health.

Ready for change? Take our quiz and find services to support you.