Stress is a normal and natural part of life. A bit of stress can be helpful depending on the circumstances. Stress might be the added motivation you need in order to get that promotion at work. Or, it may give you that boost in the morning to get to your appointment on time.
But, too much stress can be unhelpful and lead to health problems. There are a wide number of causes of stress so therefore, it’s important to acknowledge them. Stay on top of your stress levels before they interfere with work, your family life and, most importantly, your health. If you think you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, there are a number of reasons why you may be feeling pressured.
Your job
Not happy in your job? Is the boss always getting you down? Feel like you’re stuck in a rut? If you wake up and loathe going to work, chances are your job is making you more stressed than it should.
Stress at work can be a normal occurrence, depending on your job. You may have a high level of stress each and every day. Or, you may only experience stressful situations at work at certain times of the year.
For some people, a job may be very stressful. But, for others in the same role who enjoy their work, the stress might not affect them as much. If you are starting to hate your job, it may be time for a new job or career.
If you like the role you’re in, but just have a stressful workplace, a job hunt may be on the cards. Hate your job and the workplace? Have a think about what might make you happy and if you need certain skills, enrolling in a new class might help you feel more satisfied at work.
The death of a loved one
The death of someone close to you can be very hard to deal with. Depending on the circumstances, it may take a long time before you start to feel better about losing your family member or friend.
One of the most important things to think about when dealing with grief is remembering that it takes time. There is also no “right” or “wrong” amount of time it takes to feel better, but know that there is hope and things will get better in the future.
If you’re really struggling with grief, take the time to seek support and help from friends or loved ones. You may also consider getting some advice from a medical practitioner who may be able to refer you to other services to help you deal with your grief.
Moving home/cities/towns/countries
Relocating to a new home within the same area may be a fun way to get a new look on life. Travelling across the country may be the big adventure you’ve been hoping for. Some people even move across the other side of the world.
While all of these things may be fun and exciting, there’s no doubt that it can be quite stressful. If you’re moving with a family, there is even more to consider, including setting up your children in a whole new place. Some people may move because their partner needs to for work and the move isn’t exactly their first preference. For people in these situations, moving can be very stressful.
The physical side of moving can be quite stressful, but getting to know a new location can be hard. Depending on your move, you may also need to find new friends, learn a new language or get to know more about the local culture. Over time, you will get used to being in a new location. In the meantime, try and find a new place to discover and fall in love with. See if there’s a local beach you haven’t been to or a park that you can take the kids to.
Chronic illness/injury
Illnesses and injury can not only take a toll on your health, but it can be quite a daunting and stressful experience. For those experiencing long-term illnesses or injuries, having continual health problems can make you feel tired, lethargic, stressed and sometimes anxious or depressed.
In these cases, finding a good support network may be ideal. If possible, ask a friend or a family member to tag along to your medical appointments. Having their company may be just what you need in order to feel a little better. If you don’t have anyone that can help you, you could see if there is a local support group for those in the same situation as yourself. There are a number of local support groups for a wide variety of illnesses, health issues and interests. Finding support from those who are going through the same situation as you might help you to de-stress.
Stress can be a troublesome feeling at the best of times. It’s important to check in with yourself at various times to assess whether you need some extra support or whether you need to step back for a while until you start to get a hold of your stress. Relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation and tai-chi may also help to combat stress levels. Having a good diet and getting the right nutrients and vitamins will also help to support your immune function and help you to take on the day.