We all experience stress at one time or another and have our own respective stress triggers. However, not all of us are equally adept at pushing back against stress. Furthermore, some people experience stress on a much higher level than others. For example, in a society as stressful as ours, some people’s lives come to be defined by their various stressors. Not only can this prove extremely detrimental to one’s mental health, it can take quite a toll on physical well-being, as well. So, if the stress in your life has become overpowering, consider taking the following steps.
Find a Good Counselor
You might be surprised by how much relief you can get from simply talking about your problems. Even if you have a solid support network in your life, talking out your problems with a seasoned counselor or therapist can prove beneficial in a number of ways. For starters, this will provide you with a healthy outlet for venting your frustrations. Since your counselor isn’t a family member, friend or coworker, you won’t have to worry about holding anything back. Secondly, a good counselor will be able to supply you with a bevy of healthy solutions to your problems, as well as a wide range of practical coping techniques.
Many of us believe that counseling only exists to help people with extremely obvious and pronounced mental illnesses. While it’s true that counseling certainly can be beneficial to these individuals, virtually everyone stands to benefit from working with a dependable counselor. Furthermore, even if you keep a fairly busy schedule, this shouldn’t be an impediment to seeking counseling. In light of the threat posed by COVID-19, many mental health professionals are happily offering clients the option of remote visits. Even if you favor in-person sessions, a good counselor will more than likely be willing to work with you in creating a mutually beneficial treatment schedule.
Confront the Sources of Your Stress
Confronting the sources of your stress can be extremely cathartic and effectively lift a tremendous weight off your shoulders. For example, if the bulk of your stress stems from a stressful job and/or demanding work schedule, make a point of speaking to the bosses or coworkers who make working such a stressful experience. Similarly, if the actions of a friend or family member consistently send your stress levels into overdrive, sit down with them and inform them of how you’re feeling. It’s entirely possible they’re unaware of how much they’ve impacted your mental health and will be more than happy to make necessary changes. Sometimes, it’s necessary to speak up to prevent yourself from suffering in silence.
Find Time to Do the Things You Enjoy
A lack of time in which to indulge in hobbies and other personal passions can dramatically impact one’s stress levels. If all of your time is spent tending to career and family obligations, odds are you’re not engaging in self-care. With this in mind, take care to carve out personal time in your schedule each day. If this seems like an impossible undertaking, try going to bed an hour later than usual or getting up an hour earlier than usual and devoting this time to personal fulfillment.
Experiment with Cannabis
If you reside in a state in which recreational marijuana use is legal, experimenting with cannabis may prove conducive to stress relief. Certain strains of weed, for example, are cultivated for the express purpose of stress reduction. If you’re a newcomer to cannabis and cannabis-adjacent products, you’re likely to benefit from seeking expert advice – and your nearest dispensary can be a great place to start. For instance, Phoenix residents on the hunt for cannabis advice would do well to get in touch with Giving Tree Dispensary.
Living under the thumb of chronic stress is a deeply unpleasant experience. Whether your stress comes from work, relationships or various other facets of daily life, keeping stress levels in check should be among your foremost priorities. While there’s no such thing as a stress-free existence, you should still seek to minimize stress at every available opportunity. Fortunately, this isn’t as daunting as you may think. So, the next time your stress levels become overpowering, make sure to think about the steps discussed above.
