Why Am I Always Stressed?
Stress, anxiety and depression have become an undeniable part of the modern human condition.
55% of Americans report that they are stressed during the day. This statistic is among the highest in the world, up 20% from the global average. Several common causes of stress include school, work and relationships.
As we make our way through our days, we try to navigate the expectations and responsibilities placed on our shoulders. It is natural to feel overwhelmed by stress sometimes, but just because stress is a normal part of life doesn’t mean it has to inhibit your enjoyment.
Below we compiled some of the facts about stress as we know it today. Read on to watch a video from one of our trusted therapists on 4 tips to minimize stress. We’ve also put together a solution to the question: How can I stop stressing and start relaxing?
What is Stress?
Stress is an essential part of our human biology that serves as the body’s natural reaction to challenges and threats.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, “Stress is your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand. In short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline. But when stress lasts for a long time, it may harm your health.”
Stress is the release of specific chemicals which slow down our immune and digestive systems so that the body can concentrate its energy on breathing, blood flood, alertness, and muscle preparedness.
Today, stress operates less as a tool of survival and more as a sustained component of our larger mental health. Stress, as we most commonly experience it, is the feeling of demands or threats from any number of sources in our day to day lives that leave us thinking: How can I relax my mind?
Read: Anxiety & Depression Treatment Online?
Stress Symptoms
There are many different symptoms of stress and each person will experience stress in different ways. That said, symptoms of stress tend to manifest as any of the following:
Top Five Emotional Signs of Stress
Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control
Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind
Feeling bad about yourself, lonely, worthless, or depressed
Avoiding others
Physical Symptoms of Stress
Low energy
Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
Aches, pains, and tense muscles
Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
Frequent colds and infections
Stress rash
Loss of sexual desire and/or ability
Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands and feet
Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
Clenched jaw and grinding teeth
Cognitive Symptoms of Stress
Constant worrying
Racing thoughts
Forgetfulness and disorganization
Inability to focus
Poor judgment
Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side
What Are The Top Ten Causes of Stress?
In no particular order, below are some of the most common reported causes of stress:
Being unhappy in your job
Having a heavy workload or too much responsibility
Working long hours
A traumatic event
Divorce
Facing discrimination or harassment at work
Loss of a job
Getting married
Moving to a new home
Chronic illness or injury
What Are The Top Five Ways To Reduce Stress?
If you experience chronic stress, you might often find yourself thinking: How can I reduce my stress?
Stress is a burden for the majority of people, yet taking the steps to promote stress management in our lives can be a difficult process.
Below we compiled some of the simplest and most convenient ways to lower your levels of stress.
Exercise
Putting your body through physical stress can actually relieve your mental stress. People who exercise have been found to experience lower levels of anxiety. When you work out, your body releases endorphins, which are chemicals that improve your mood.
Sleep
Getting proper sleep is important for all aspects of mental health, not just stress. That said, good sleeping habits have been found to lower levels of stress. Sleep also promotes healthy brain activity that allows you to focus better during the day and complete the various tasks that otherwise would be left to stress you out.
Spend Time With Friends And Family
As humans, we naturally want to be part of social networks in our day to day lives. Appreciating your relationships gives you a sense of belonging that fosters connections and brings joy into your day.
Learn To Avoid Procrastination
Avoiding procrastination is particularly difficult given the constant means for distraction available at our fingertips. However, procrastinating leaves us scrambling to complete tasks at a later time which often induces high levels of stress.
We recommend developing the habit of making a to-do-list and keeping realistic deadlines for yourself that allow you to plan work out accordingly.
Laugh
Laughing has been found to relieve your chemical stress response, relieve tension in your muscles, and boost your mood. That last one should come as little surprise, given that it is hard to remember our anxieties in moments of laughter. If you need to take a break, wind down with a funny TV show or hang out with friends.
Get Stress Treatment Online
If you’re feeling overworked, unable to relax, or constantly stressed out, it may be time to consider talking to a professional. At PlushCare, we’re proud to offer virtual therapy sessions that you can attend from the comfort of your home.
Our licensed therapists can teach you healthy approaches to stress management. Even better, our therapy sessions cost just type: embedded-entry-inline id: 5HHgACU48sxRw5ZFdlLAxg per session and you can cancel at any time.
If our therapists believe you will benefit from medication, they may recommend you book an appointment with one of our trusted doctors. PlushCare offers convenient, reliable, and affordable virtual doctor’s appointments you can access from the comfort of your home. Together, our therapists and doctors will work together to ensure you get the help you deserve. Don’t go on living a life of stress; help is out there. Take the first step and book an appointment today.
Read More About How to Relieve Stress
Sources
Stress.org. Worrying in the Workplace Stress Statistics. Accessed June 19, 2024 at https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress/
Medlineplus.gov. Stress and your health. Accessed on December 16, 2020 at https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003211.htm
My.clevelandclinic.org. Stress: Signs, Symptoms, Management & Prevention. Accessed on December 16, 2020 at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress
