Stress Management

Stress is a prominent challenge in today’s world. It seems that we are busier than ever and there is a lot of emphasis in our society on being productive and “doing more.” Stress can be the result of many different things such as a busy family life, a chronic illness, a demanding job, conflict in a relationship, even planning a life celebration or event. Stressful situations can create a physical stress response in the body, increasing blood pressure and releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. In the moment, this response can help you navigate a difficult situation. But, long term, stress can cause lasting damage to our physical health or make us prone to illness. Stress can also contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Stress may cause physical complaints such as headaches or body pain. Stress can also make it difficult to concentrate or make decisions and it may cause irritability. The first step in stress management is to first identify your triggers and do your best to minimize them. Sometimes you may not be able to reduce all of the triggers and therefore it is also important to learn coping techniques so you can respond and take care of yourself during stressful times. It is also helpful to have the support of a therapist if you are experiencing high levels of stress. I would be happy to support you in finding more balance in your life!