Stress can either be beneficial or harmful, depending on the magnitude. Low levels of stress can motivate a person to work while extreme levels affect mood and the ability to reason. Additionally, this feeling can trigger health-related problems, such as depression and high blood pressure. There are various stress management techniques one can apply to prevent adverse effects. For addiction and mental health treatment, contact Summit Estate Recovery Center at 800.701.6997 today.
Identifying The Signs and Triggers of Stress
The most crucial step in managing stress is identifying the symptoms of stress overload and particular triggers. When a person feels stressed, the body releases adrenaline to increase the breathing and heartbeat rate. The continued release of this hormone can tire the body and cause adverse effects like weakened immunity. The most common signs of stress overload are changes in sleep patterns, increased irritability, and increased or decreased appetite. Stress may also cause concentration problems, frequent colds, and headaches. One should first identify the specific instances they feel stressed. After that, determine whether a particular person, situation, or place led to this feeling. The factors identified are the stress triggers that you should either avoid or minimize.
Stress Management Techniques
Different triggers require unique stress management techniques depending on their nature and the extent of their effects. For instance, one should minimize the amount of time they spend with people who cause stress. A person should also learn how to control their environment whenever they feel stressed. For example, some people feel stressed by traffic jams when going to work. In such a case, one should look for an alternative, like using a train or a different route. Harboring some feelings like anger and disappointment can also lead to high levels of stress. One should learn how to be more assertive and express their concerns respectfully and openly.
Poor time management may cause the accumulation of tasks, which will lead to stress. Thus, one should write down all the tasks they need to take care of and create a schedule while prioritizing. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid multitasking or procrastinating some activities. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises also help in reducing stress. It is advisable to set aside approximately ten minutes daily to practice these techniques for long term benefits. One should also create a balance between work and social life as working for long hours tires the brain causing stress. Additionally, you can engage in mind relaxing activities such as taking a walk and listening to music.
Seeking Professional Stress Management Help
Stress may influence a person to abuse drugs such as alcohol and cocaine. However, the drugs will mask the effects of stress without solving the actual cause. Additionally, one may become addicted to the abused substance and require professional help. Some causes of stress, such as the death of a loved one, also require a professional’s intervention. Talking to a therapist may help reduce the emotional burden causing the stress, and solve the psychological aspect of drug addiction.
Moreover, they can prescribe medication to reduce the effects of stress, such as anxiety. One may undergo various forms of therapy to relax their mind and body. Such may include:
- Group therapy
- Acupuncture
- Art therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Yoga and Meditation
A therapist may also recommend you to join a support group to connect with others. Such gatherings help deal with stress resulting from chronic diseases and isolation.
Obtaining professional help is one of the most effective ways of managing stress. At Summit Estate, we provide a wide variety of programs to treat stress-related drug addiction. Our therapists will advise you on stress management techniques that are effective in preventing drug use. We also evaluate our clients to develop a personalized treatment procedure. Contact us at 800.701.6997 for a customized addiction treatment procedure.