Stress is a natural state which allows our minds and bodies to prepare for the unexpected. Some stress is good: It helps us prepare for a big task and protects against imminent threats. However, a constant state of stress is exhausting and bad for our physical and emotional health.
We show stress in four ways:
- Physically: feeling the rush of adrenaline, headaches, muscle tension.
- Emotionally: becoming snappy or teary with little provocation; losing our confidence and vitality.
- Cognitively: black and white thinking; catastrophising and dwelling on unhealthy thoughts; being indecisive.
- Behaviorally: avoiding people and places; increasing our drinking; eating comfort food or not eating at all; insomnia.
By identifying indicators that we are stressed, we develop self-awareness that allows us to intervene before we feel overwhelmed.
Download our 10 Tips for Handling Stress here for a reset, or if you are feeling overwhelmed, book an appointment on 1800 818 728.