Practical Tips for Dealing with Stress

What Is Stress?

To put it concisely, stress is a response to change. Causes could be physical and/or mental, and while stress is usually associated with negative feelings, it could be the result of a positive life change (getting married, finding a home, etc.). Stress is a normal part of life and every person should experience different levels of stress at times. However, when symptoms don’t subside, it’s important to treat them seriously.

5 Signs Of Stress

Observing your body is one of the best ways to recognize when stress is the reason you might be struggling. Some signs may be subtle, so try keeping track of your baseline health to pick up on shifts in your mental or physical wellness. Stay alert for these symptoms:

• Frustrating feelings

• Bodily aches

• Difficulty resting

• Substance use

• Irregular appetite

We all have a slightly different normal state, and stress manifests itself in many ways. Read our blog, Constantly Stressed? Here’s How It Impacts Your Body to learn more about what unchecked stress can do to your bodily functions.

5 Ways to Address Stress

While there are a variety of ways to manage stress, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. They may recommend one or a variety of the following treatments to mitigate your stress:

• Exercise

• Hobbies

• Sleep

• Meditation

• Support

If you need some help along the way, our caring providers will be there to answer any questions you may have and provide a voice of support.

Seeking Care for Stress

Having an ally in your battle with stress is helpful. A good starting place is with your provider at Schneck Primary Care. They are most familiar with your baseline health, and can most likely note subtle changes that could stem from multiple stressors. From there, you may be referred to a specialist at Schneck Mental Health and Wellness for additional support. Keep in mind that a little stress is normal. Stressors vary for each person, as do needs and preferences for treatment.

Learning to navigate changes, big and small, can be much more manageable with help. Let someone else know what’s going on so you’ve got some support, whether that’s a friend, spouse, or healthcare provider.