How often do you find yourself neck deep in responsibilities that never seem to end? Do you let these responsibilities control your life? If you do, you’re not alone.
Forty million adults in the United States suffer from anxiety disorders and only one third of them seek treatment, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Anxiety very often leads to physical problems, such as nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and can even cause serious conditions such as heart disease if untreated.
The good news is that most of your worrying can be controlled, or even stopped. You can take charge of your life again by following a few steps and changing your mindset.
With the New Year coming up, there has never been a better time to send your constant worrying out the door and invite in a new lifestyle.
Understanding Stress
Stress is your body’s reaction to demanding circumstances. Stress can be a good thing when your body is responding to a physical threat because it gives you strength and energy. However, when the stress is mental, this energy has nowhere to go. Without an outlet, this type of stress can harm you mentally and physically.
The first step to relieving your own stress is understanding what causes it. One of the best ways to do this is to keep a stress journal. Keep a journal and write down every time you feel stressed, what you think caused it, and how you dealt with it. Over time, some patterns will probably emerge and you can start to examine what causes your stress.
Coping with Stress
Sometimes, it seems like stress is unavoidable. But here’s a secret: it all has to do with how you let it affect your thoughts, actions and life. There are many ways to deal with your stress in a healthy way. It’s impossible to get rid of completely, but you can stop it from controlling your life.
One way to deal with stress in a healthy way is to get your body in motion. Whether you put on music and dance like nobody’s watching or go outside and take a walk, exercising in any way will help. This gives the stress, and the energy it generates, an outlet. It is also a way to get your mind off of whatever it is that’s bothering you. Take this one step further and get in the habit of working out regularly to help eliminate the negative effects of stress in your everyday life.
Another strategy to try can be talking to someone. Almost everybody deals with stress in one way or another. Talking to someone can help you sort out your own thoughts and also get an understanding ear. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to somebody you know, try 7 Cups of Tea, a website that connects you with trained volunteer listeners who will simply let you vent your frustrations and lend an encouraging voice.
Make a Change
So, what are you waiting for? The stress and worry you feel can be made lighter if you make a commitment to change. Use this New Year to create a new mindset and don’t let stress and worry control your life anymore.
Make 2016 a stress-free and peaceful year!
