“Good” stress helps us work harder and reach our potential. Optimal stress allows us to score better on standardized tests and work more diligently at our jobs. However, when stress reaches overwhelming levels our sense of well being begins to erode. Negative feedback, bad news and conflict can cause stress levels to sky rocket deeply affecting our moods, our physical health, and psychological well being.
Some stressors are generated by environmental events outside of our control, such as, losing your job or getting divorced. While other stressors are self generated. Uncertainty, self-doubt and fear can lead to great conflicts within ourself.
People have a flight or fight response to stressful situations. If we believe in our ability to tackle the problem our outcome is usually better. Responses to stress can range from feeling nervous, emotional withdrawal, or agitation. When stressed we may also engage in unproductive behaviors like increased alcohol consumption, drug abuse, excessive use of pornography, or insomnia. Of course, any of these aberrant behaviors negatively impact our relationships.
Physical remedies for stress are straight forward. Exercise, meditation, and relaxation. Exercise raises levels of serotonin and endorphin resulting in a heightened sense of well being. Another stress buster is meditation. Just ten minutes of meditation daily can have enormous benefits like lowering blood pressure, reducing cortisone levels, and clearing your mind of negative thoughts. Relaxation exercises use guided imagery that walks you through deep breathing, succinct muscle contraction, and progressive relaxation. Guided imagery is highly successful in reducing stress related symptomatology.
Lastly, utilizing supportive relationships also helps reduce stress. Don’t underestimate the healing power of a good laugh with a friend, partner, or child. Interacting with others brings relief. We know how valuable our loved ones and a sense of connectedness is to our well being.
Simply putting to use one of these tactics make an immediate difference in reducing stress levels. Utilizing more than one technique makes you feel much better. In fact, utilizing these strategies are often as good as using medication. Still, medication can help those individuals experiencing severe panic and extreme anxiety. Psychotherapy also helps a person conquer the anxiety caused by a stressful life. Call to make an appointment or visit The 10 Minute Couch for resources to get started. As always Dr. Goschi is here to help you achieve your potential, Call Today!