Do you feel that your stress is poorly managed? Are your family or friends commenting on how you are feeling or behaving? Do you come home from work exhausted and unable to enjoy your evenings? Is your health suffering or is your body feeling out of whack? If you are answering yes to these questions it is likely that your stress level needs to be addressed.
The ability to manage your stress is an important skill to have as stress can negatively impact a host of different areas in your life including work, relationships, health and body functioning. When your stress is well managed it’s likely that you don’t think about challenges too much when they occur, as you are prepared to tackle them emotionally, physically and psychologically. If your stress is unmanaged though, these difficulties can seem overwhelming and insurmountable.
Stress can be inescapable; it’s a part of modern life with all of the responsibilities we have. Here are the top 5 reasons to manage your stress:
Health
Stress has a quantifiable impact on your body and health. According to the American Psychological Association stress can impact the whole entire body from the musculoskeletal system to the reproductive system. Chronic painful disorders can be brought on or aggravated by stress. Stress is found to be a component to heart disease, diabetes, ulcers, impotence and a decreased sexual drive. Stress can cause emotional eating and a lack of motivation or energy to exercise and maintain healthy behaviors. Managing your stress can mean a longer, happier and healthier life.
Work
Stress at work is a reality. There is unlikely to be any career without some form of stress, however if chronic stress is mounting at your job, it could have some real consequences. Chronic stress at work can lead to decreased productivity, being skipped over for raises or advancements and impaired work relationships. Managing your stress where you likely spend the vast majority of your waking hours can make you a better employee, co-worker or supervisor.
Parenting
Parenting is hard. There is no parent on the planet who doesn't experience some level of stress. Being able to manage your stress can make you a more effective and happier parent. When you are able to utilize stress reduction exercises, you are better able to teach your children how to manage their stress too. Managing your stress gives you more patience, tolerance and able to handle all the challenges that come with raising children.
Relationships
When you are stressed, your relationships will most certainly be impacted. It's difficult to spend time with loved ones when you are overwhelmed by stress. One is more likely to fight or argue as a response to their own stress rather than communicate effectively with their partners. Relationships suffer if stress remains unmanaged.
Overall Level of Happiness
Chronic stress can greatly increase the likelihood of developing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health difficulties. When one manages their stress, they experience less frustration with life’s challenges, decreased worries about the future and have an improved sense of well-being. Being able to manage stress through utilizing effective coping skills and stress management techniques can make you a happier and healthier individual.
Stress may feel inescapable and perhaps it is, but you are not alone in facing your challenges. It is possible to learn how to manage your stress. Reach out today to learn more about how reducing your stress will help improve your life.