Stress

Stress can arise from many sources. External pressures related to work, financial obligations, relationship challenges, trauma, and major life changes can all increase levels of stress. Furthermore, internal triggers such as negative self-talk, pessimism, procrastination, indecisiveness, fatigue, and lack of motivation can make stressors in our lives overwhelming.

Stress is a normal part of life, and at times serves a useful purpose to motivate us in accomplishing tasks. Nonetheless, prolonged, excessive levels of stress have been linked to a variety of health ailments such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cardiac arrest. Thus, proper management of stress through effective coping techniques is crucial for positive well-being.

A number of learned techniques are effective in reducing stress. Relaxation techniques, for example, help calm the mind and refocus on positive coping strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy incorporates techniques such as disputing and challenging negative self-talk and reframing thoughts toward more realistic and logical expectations. Finally, exercise and a healthy diet also help mitigate the pressures of stress and fatigue. Everyone experiences stress from day to day. However, how one copes with and reduces stress is key to achieving positive results.