Between the end of summer and the New Year, there are several events that may give you a reason to pull your hair out. Whether it’s the chaos of returning to school or the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, this time of year tends to be a bit more hectic.
Occasional stress is fairly typical but if it becomes your new normal then action needs to be taken. When stress becomes chronic it can wreak havoc on the body sending system into disarray. A person could end up with high blood pressure, digestive problems, headaches, painful muscle tension, and a weakened immune system. This is not a happy place to be.
Here are 9 ways to lessen the impact of the season by planning, disconnecting, and building resilience.
- Routine: Having a routine will make even the most hectic situations run smoother. By packing bags, and lunches the night before you can save time and a headache.
- Not just a daily routine but also consider creating a family command center where all activities are planned out in advance. A large calendar can make a world of difference.
- Turn off device notifications: For some the constant notifications adds to the daily stress quotient. The Do Not Disturb feature is available on both Android and Apple devices.
- Hobbies: For others, the stress arises out of a lack of balance. Do you spend all day at work and then all of your time off dealing with household chores? When is the last time you engaged in your hobby? Taking the time do something that stimulates the mind and brings your joy can leave a person feeling recharged.
- Distraction: And then there are those who would like to do something mindless for a while like read a sensational novel or watch TV. All that matters is that you disconnect for a moment to reset.
- Friends: Call someone who you haven’t connected to in a while or someone who can offer you emotional support.
- Healthy eating: When your body is trying to deal with overly processed foods, it does not operate at its highest standards. The best analogy is a machine that is running on the wrong fuel. This situation is not an ideal situation for cognitive tasks.
- Exercise: Keeping with the machine analogy, not exercising is not doing preventative maintenance. Exercise is a great way to make sure that the body stays limber and strong. Tension, a consequence of stress, can be painful and is easily dealt with by working out occasionally. Think about what activities worked well in the past and start there. If not go for a walk. If you have any questions about a physical activity please consult your primary care provider.
- Meditation: Exercise for the brain. A way for you to practice noticing emotions and not acting on them, learning to accept life the way it is. You will eventually be able to have a negative event occur and not freak out. There are several apps for your phones and plenty of videos on youtube if you are looking for a place to start.
It is important to get stress under control before it becomes a medical issue. If you have tried to manage your stress on your own and it doesn’t seem to be working seek professional help. We are always available! Give us a call.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml#pub4
Blog Written by Vitality Counseling, INC. Therapist: Shante Breitenbach
