Stress: The Symptoms, Signs and Strategies

The hidden effects of stress

Stress has simply become a regular part of modern day life and this may explain why we often fail to see the significance of our stress. Stress is your bodies way of protecting itself, when working properly, stress can cause a person to be more focused, energetic and alert. There is, however, a point where stress can transform from being helpful to harmful. Stress can occur for a variety of reasons and can be caused by strains, emotionally, physically or psychologically. It is no surprise then, that stress can manifest itself in various ways, including but not limited to:

• Headaches
• Depression
• Hair loss
• Anxiety
• Obesity
• Ulcers
• Heart diseases

Signs of harmful stress

It is important to understand at what point stress stops being useful and starts to interfere with your quality of life. It is easy to overlook stress and to accept it as a normal way of life, without even noticing how much it is really effecting you. Below is a list of some of the common signs of stress, basically the more signs you encompass the more likely your stress is getting to an unhealthy level. It is important to understand and be aware of these signs so that you can manage your own stress levels.

Cognitive Symptoms

• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor judgment
• Seeing only the negative
• Anxious or racing thoughts
• Constant worrying

Emotional Symptoms

• Moodiness
• Irritability or short temper
• Agitation, inability to relax
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Sense of loneliness and isolation
• Depression or general unhappiness

Physical Symptoms

• Aches and pains
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea, dizziness
• Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
• Loss of sex drive
• Frequent colds

Behavioral Symptoms

• Eating more or less
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Isolating yourself from others
• Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
• Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
• Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

Strategies for managing stress

Don’t worry, if you do experience some of the above signs of stress there are easy and helpful strategies to help you manage this stress:

• Breathing exercise

  These work best for quick relief from to overwhelming feelings of stress and allow you to calm down and re-focus.

• Physical exercise

Exercise helps both to focus your energy and work out your frustration.

• Meditation

Is a beneficial reflection tool that allows you time to sit back and just think.

• Massage

Touch is an important part of overall wellbeing, and a massage can also improve circulation and relieve tension.

• Social support

A great support network can help to relieve some of the stress of life.

• Setting boundaries

Learn how to say no to those things that are just too overwhelming or unmanageable.

• Understating you triggers

Understanding what it is that makes you stressed, is an important maintenance tool that allows helpful foresight or avoidance.

• Organisation

Simply put, this is organising your life and a manageable and realistic way.

If the stress is just too much and you would like assistance with stress management and the above techniques, there is always professional help available in Perth, WA. The counsellors at Vision Counselling and Psychology can help you to manage your stress levels, contribute to your overall wellbeing and help you to lead a happy, fulfilled and quality life.

If you would like further information on counselling services or Psychologists Perth, contact us today.

Article Title: Stress: The Symptoms, Signs and Strategies
Article By: Vision Counselling and Psychology, Perth Western Australia
Web Address: www.visioncounselling.com.au
Published: 20/01/2015

 

“Stress”, (Natural Therapy Pages), Available: https://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/Stress (Accessed: 2014, October 01).

“The Importance of Stress Management and Relaxation”, (Wahm Articles), Available: https://www.wahm.com/articles/the-importance-of-stress-management-and-relaxation.html (Accessed: 2014, October 01).

“Stress Symptoms, Signs and Causes” (Help Guide)”, (Psychology Today), Available: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-symptoms-causes-and-effects.htm (Accessed: 2014, October 01).

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