Unfortunately, stress and anxiety have become common aspects of the modern lifestyle. Overwhelmed by unfavorable economic circumstances, job-related responsibilities and personal problems, individuals are exposed to different stressors that trigger emotional reactions and behavioral changes. The entire generation of Millennials is described as the most anxious generation of all times, with its members undergoing severe cases of stress and anxiety.
Individuals who are exposed to prolonged stress are not only emotionally overwhelmed, but they are also at great risk of developing both physical and mental health problems. Nonetheless, it seems that only a limited number of individuals suffering from stress and anxiety know how to deal with this properly, which underscores the importance of the discourse on mental health and proper stress- and anxiety-management techniques.
Different kinds of stress
As one of the common aspects of everyday life, stress isn’t a completely negative experience. In fact, it’s important to emphasize the difference between positive stress, or eustress, and negative stress, also known as distress. Eustress is generally a short-term experience that can act as a motivator and cause excitement and even improved performance. For example, a person may experience the positive kind of stress when starting a new job.
Distress, on the other hand, is a negative experience that can be both short-term and long-term and may cause a range of physical and mental issues. Stress is caused by different stressors that trigger hormonal and neuronal responses, leading to physiological and behavioral changes.
Stress can be further divided into acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress. In moderation, acute stress can be seen as eustress, but too much of it can quickly become overwhelming and exhausting. This type of stress is short-term, manageable and generally associated with everyday demands, pressures, and events.
Common symptoms and consequences
Stress and anxiety may manifest themselves both physically and psychologically. Considering the fact that the body and mind are closely intertwined, these conditions may cause a range of psychosomatic health problems. A person who is constantly under stress and suffers from anxiety may experience mild to severe headaches, stomach-aches, sweating, shaking, rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing, diarrhea, fatigue and other common signs. Furthermore, a person may experience feelings of fear, impending doom, overwhelming uncertainty, irrational anger, panic, especially in social circumstances, restlessness, etc.
Although there is no “cure” for anxiety and stress, it’s possible to alleviate the symptoms and manage their cause. Considering the detrimental effect that stress and anxiety have on both physical and mental health, it’s crucial that a person learn how to properly deal with stressful situations and anxiety. There are numerous techniques and approaches for managing stress and anxiety, ranging from different types of therapy to lifestyle habits. They actually fall into three different categories: medication-based treatments, stress and anxiety management, and counseling.
When it comes to particular therapy approaches, hypnotherapy has proven to be quite effective in managing stress and treating anxiety. Unlike medication-based treatments, hypnotherapy is a natural approach that aims at tackling the very root of the problem rather than its symptoms. It has become an accredited practice, especially in Australia where you can find courses in every bigger city – there are even quality hypnotherapy courses in Perth!
Typically, hypnotherapy sessions focus on changing bad habits and the way a person responds to different stressors in their life by getting through to their subconscious and reprogramming their brain. Furthermore, hypnosis puts an individual into a state of deep relaxation during which the mind is more open and prone to change. Studies have shown that hypnosis is effective in treating stress-related neurological problems, managing stress, and anxiety, phobias, etc. Moreover, according to the Scientific American, one study revealed that women who underwent hypnosis before surgery experienced less emotional stress, fatigue, and pain because it redirected their focus from pain at a deeper level of consciousness.
Lifestyle habits and attitudes
By adopting appropriate stress-management techniques and healthy lifestyle habits, a person can greatly improve their state of mind and general well-being which can, in return, reduce their risk of experiencing severe stress and anxiety attacks. Not only does this mean changing certain outlooks on life, but it also entails nurturing both the body and mind as these two aspects of one’s being are closely connected.
Lifestyle changes that can work as effective stress-management techniques include exercising on a regular basis, meditating and practicing yoga, sticking to a healthy, balanced diet rich in foods that can help eliminate anxiety, getting enough quality sleep, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, deep breathing techniques, listening to music, etc. As for the mental aspect, learning about different stressors and anxiety triggers, adopting a positive attitude, accepting things as they come and avoiding perfectionism can significantly reduce tension in one’s life. In addition, keeping a journal of one’s thoughts, emotions and experiences can help a person gain a deeper insight into their own mind, take an objective view of their life and change their negative thought patterns.
If you’ve tried managing your stress using the above suggestions and found that you need a little more assistance, please look into seeking assistance from a therapist. Use this link to find a local therapist near you.