Stress is a common experience in modern life. It can come from work, family, finances, and other areas of life. While some amount of stress is normal and even necessary, too much stress can be detrimental to our physical and mental health.
Symptoms of stress may include feeling anxious, irritable, or on edge; feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope; sleeping poorly, and experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches. Chronic stress is believed to be one the biggest contributors to poor physical and mental health and is perceived to shorten life span.
Recognise the signs
It is important to recognise the signs that stress is having an impact on your life, so you can take positive steps to minimise its impact by reducing your stress levels. That can only come through having greater self-awareness.
Sometimes, it's a simple case of just minimising your exposure to the things, people, and situations that cause you to feel stressed. We understand that’s not always as easy as it sounds, especially if your stress comes from your work or home life, or even both.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to find ways to cope with stress in a healthy way. Some helpful coping strategies include exercise, relaxation techniques, and talking to someone you trust about your stress.
There are lots of organisations that offer passive support and are just happy to listen, so you don't feel isolated. There has been a lot of negative stigma surrounding mental health, but this has been acknowledged and it is no longer viewed in a bad light.
If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of stress, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you identify and manage the factors that are contributing to your stress.
Avoid the dark side
Far too many people try to use escapism as a form of coping and they do so in unhealthy ways. This includes the use of alcohol or drugs, overeating, and even retail therapy, but this is not a viable solution because it only makes you feel worse and makes it harder to find real solutions. It is safe to say that these strategies cause more problems than the ones they solve.
Look on the bright side
That aside, go and have some fun. There is nothing more uplifting than taking the time to laugh. Laughter releases endorphins, which reduce stress levels. It may not always be easy to step outside your existing state of mind to create laughter, but you can take lots of little moments to make space for laughter in your life, which will gradually, but surely help you feel a little better.
Comedy is a great way to help change the way you see the world. Stand-up comedians often have a funny way of taking serious issues and presenting them in humorous ways. Of course, we know this won't solve all of your problems, but a slight shift in attitude may just give you the edge you need to take other positive steps in your life.
Take up a hobby
Pursuing a hobby is another great way to break the mould. It gives you the opportunity to focus on something different, learn something new, have fun, and potentially meet more people. There are so many things to choose from that you could literally spend your entire life exploring different hobbies.
Many people report losing themselves in their hobbies. This is because you can enter what scientists call a state of 'flow', where you are acutely focussed on something you enjoy that it feels like time stands still. Also, every hobby comes with its own identity and community, so it’s a subtle form of reinventing yourself.
Whether you take up arts and crafts, martial arts, climbing, kayaking, hiking, or dancing, you won't be short of things to choose from. So, take the first step and see where it leads to. We have no doubt that you will be grateful that you did.
If your stress levels cause you gut flare-ups and this holds you back from enjoying the things you look forward to, try our JUVIA supplement. Many people report an elevated mood and a greater sense of freedom. Although JUVIA is designed to help with digestion, there is a well-established link between gut health and serotonin production, so it’s no surprise that people report feeling much better after taking it.
More research needs to be done in this area and we are working on bringing that to life for you. In the meantime, give it a go, watch some comedy, and find a hobby that enthuses you.