There are many circumstances that pour stress on everyone. After all, in today’s world, the sources of severe stress are endless. Just consider the distress from losing a job, the death of a loved one, a major illness—these are tough times for anyone. For others of us, stress is a part of a chronic anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders pile on stress every day, which causes impairments to our mental abilities, as well as suppressing the immune system. Stress wears down all body systems.

Anxiety harms a person’s mental and physical condition by keeping the “flight or fight” system stuck in overdrive. Unlike an acute stress reaction, low-level anxiety isn’t something that’s easy to identify. Instead, we discover it by our symptoms. We become easily fatigued, have trouble sleeping, experience mood swings and fluctuations in our appetite.

Manage Your Stress More Effectively

  • Learn your stress triggers. People react differently to difficult situations, thus we all experience stress differently. Get a handle on stress by first identifying what events or situations (or people) present challenges.
  • Practice relaxation techniques. Progressive muscle relaxation and meditation are exceptionally good methods for relaxing.
  • Make changes to your diet if you need to. Comfort foods do indeed provide a rush of pleasure. Fatty foods and foods high in simple carbs and sugars trigger a release of dopamine, the pleasure chemical, in the brain, but they’re harmful. Highly processed foods and simple carbs also cause swings in blood sugar which leads to fatigue. Nutrient-dense foods like nuts and whole grains provide the body with what it needs to be at its best.
  • Practice good sleep hygiene. This is a tough one. When we work all day, it’s natural to want to enjoy the evening. That’s great—just practice going to bed at the same time every evening. Turn off your devices an hour before bed and make sure your sleeping environment is free of digital distractions.
  • Psychotherapy. You don’t have to have a psychological disorder to seek therapy. A psychotherapist can help you find out what your stressors are and help you develop coping skills to deal with stress. It’s not always possible to eliminate what’s bothering you, but therapy can help you cope much more effectively.

Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards.
Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.