What is Stress?
Stress is a psychological and physical response to things that happen in everyday life.
It is not a mental illness, but it can affect both the body and the mind.
Stress is not always bad — sometimes it can help us stay alert and get things done.
But too much stress can become harmful, especially when we take on too much at once or feel overwhelmed.
Even good things, like exams, starting a new job, driving lessons, or big life changes, can be stressful.
It’s also possible to feel positive and negative emotions at the same time, which can be confusing and tiring.
Signs of Stress:
Stress can affect people in different ways, but common signs include:
-
Headaches
-
Muscle tension or pain
-
Stomach or digestion problems
-
Feeling tired all the time
-
Sleeping too much or too little
-
Changes in appetite (eating more or less)
-
Feeling upset, irritable, or unable to cope
Stress affects your mind, your body, and your emotions.
When stress builds up too much, people might turn to unhealthy coping strategies like alcohol or drugs.
Causes of Stress:
Stress can be caused by many things, including:
-
Money problems
-
Losing a job or business
-
Relationship issues (e.g. breakups, divorce, family conflict)
-
Major life changes (even positive ones)
-
Health issues or global crises (like the Covid-19 pandemic)
-
Feeling bored, stuck, or overwhelmed
-
Taking on too many responsibilities
How to Manage Stress – For Yourself and Others:
-
Think about what’s happening in your life. Are you doing too much? Or not enough?
-
Break tasks into smaller steps. Set realistic, manageable goals.
-
Practice deep breathing, gentle movement, or relaxation techniques like yoga.
-
Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling.
-
Support others who may be stressed or overwhelmed too.
-
Check your physical health — stress can raise blood pressure and affect the heart.
Remember: It’s okay to ask for help. You are not alone.
No comments:
Post a Comment