Why Are You Stressed Out?

Stress can be defined…

as any type of change that causes physical, emotional or

psychological strain. Stress is your body's response to anything that requires attention

or action.

Just like many things, stress can be difficult to balance. Many times, it feels like stressful

events tend to happen all at the same time. Especially as the holiday’s approach. It may

feel like you are hit with one thing, and before you can even process that, the next

stressful event occurs. Not only do you feel like your head is spinning, sometimes it

feels like you can’t breathe, and your heart feels like it is going to beat out of your chest.

The reaction your body feels may not match the stress that you are incurring,

in that maybe the stress response often feels overly intense, or that you feel this constant

weight, with or without any stressful input. Stress is not only felt in the brain and through

emotions, but also comes with a physical response.

What happens if that stress feels like it will never go away?

Like if you try to relax, even

for one second, you might let your guard down and be vulnerable to more stress? This

is called chronic stress, and it may feel like a physical and emotional trap, or a space

that feels so vulnerable it’s too overwhelming to explore.

But, what if you did? What if you allowed yourself a break or a moment to reset? Could

it help?

Not only is it necessary, but your quality of physical health, and overall quality of life

depend on it.

Chronic stress can precipitate multiple cardiac conditions, as well as high blood

pressure and stroke. Chronic stress can also create sleep problems, weight gain and

can have a negative effect on memory and concentration.

Perhaps, we can think of it as a person sawing a log with a dull blade. And, that person

expresses to you that they cannot take a break, because they are up against a deadline,

and cannot “waste” a moment of time.

Think about that for a moment.

Think about how many times we have told ourselves, and others, “I am too busy to take

a break.”

Has that ever resolved anything? Has it allowed you to be more productive?

I would venture to say, “No.” The more that we put on our “to do list,” the more important

it is to allow ourselves to take a break. It does not have to be extensive, even 5 or 10

minutes may be enough to hit that “reset” button.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, you can also take a moment to take a few

deep breaths. I would also encourage you to set reasonable boundaries; with your boss,

your coworkers, and even with your family. You are important. Your physical and

emotional health are important. If you allow yourself to set those expectations and

boundaries, you will feel less stressed, more confident, and more healthy. You deserve

it!

 

by: Brittany Jesernik, LCSW

Owner and therapist at Healing Hearts of Manhattan (IL)

Contact: Contact — Healing Hearts of Manhattan (IL)

StressTim Jenkins