Stressed Out

We are glad that you reached out.  It isn’t easy to reach out when you are struggling, but we are glad that you did.  A bit of stress is actually healthy in our lives.  However, when it becomes overwhelming, that's when it causes problems.  When someone is experiencing a significant amount of stress, it is initially important to analyze if there is anything that can be done to reduce the stress.  Some people take on too many unnecessary tasks at a time.  If there are some things that you can eliminate, then take the necessary action to accomplish this.

Second, it sometimes helps when you are feeling overwhelmed to make a list of what you need to accomplish.  You might even break it down to daily tasks, or even things that you have to do hourly.  By making a list you will be able to organize your life better; you can also cross off your accomplishments and get a sense of satisfaction. 

Third, you also might want to try to develop some coping skills for how to handle stress.  If you find yourself getting anxious as a result of this stress then you may want to try some exercises to calm yourself down such as listening to soothing music, imagining calming scenes such as an ocean, a waterfall, or birds flying.  You can also slow your breathing down, or tense and then relax your body muscles.  Sometimes it helps when a person is stressed to get away from the situation, if possible, and then go back to it once you are calm. 

Be sure that you are getting plenty of rest, eat regular healthy meals, and exercise frequently.  Taking care of your body and mind helps significantly with stress. 

You do not indicate what the stressors are in your life, but if you want to talk about your situation, you can call, text, or chat to discuss them further.  Take care and be safe.

Nancy, counselor