22 Jun 2022
Everyone experiences stress and anxiety. The question is, how do you cope with them.
Stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having a lot of homework or having an illness. Anxiety is your body’s reaction to stress and can occur without a current threat.
Learning what causes or triggers your stress and what coping techniques work for you can help reduce your anxiety and improve your daily life. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. Here are some activities you can try when you start to feel overwhelmed:
- Keep a journal.
- Download an app that provides relaxation exercises (such as deep breathing or visualization) or tips for practicing mindfulness, a psychological process of actively paying attention to the present moment.
- Exercise, and make sure you are eating healthy, regular meals.
- Stick to a sleep routine, and ensure you get enough sleep.
- Avoid drinking excess caffeine such as soft drinks or coffee.
- Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
- Reach out to your friends or family members who help you cope positively.
If you are struggling to cope, or your stress or anxiety symptoms won’t go away, it may be time to talk to a professional. If you are in immediate distress or are thinking about hurting yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Remember, we here at Family 360 are here for you.
Source:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-infographic