What Is Stress And How Can I Manage It?
What Is Stress And How Can I Manage It?
Stress is ubiquitous today and a normal emotional response to increasing demands. However, significant ongoing stress can impact physical and mental health and lead to problems in day-to-day functioning and relationships.
What exactly is stress?
Stress is a normal human reaction that everyone goes through. The human body is designed to sense and respond to stress. When confronted with changes or challenges (stressors), your body reacts physically and cognitively. This is known as stress.
Stress responses help your body get used to new situations. Stress can be good because it keeps us alert, motivated, and ready to escape danger. For example, if you have an essential test, your body may work harder and stay awake longer. However, stress becomes problematic when stressors keep happening without breaks or time to relax.
What happens to the body when it is stressed?
The autonomic nervous system regulates your heart rate, respiration, vision, and other essential functions. The body's built-in stress response, known as the "fight-or-flight response," aids it in dealing with stressful situations.
When a person is subjected to long-term (chronic) stress, the stress response is constantly activated, leading the body to wear and tear.
Some examples of physical stress symptoms include:
Jaw clenching or muscle tightness
Stomach or intestinal issues
Pains and aches
Chest discomfort or the feeling that your heart is racing
Exhaustion or difficulty sleeping
Headaches, dizziness, or trembling
Immune system weakness.
Emotional symptoms of stress may include:
Irritability or anxiety
Depression
Panic attacks
Sadness
People suffering from chronic stress may try to cope by engaging in unhealthy behaviours such as:
Excessive or frequent alcohol consumption
Gambling
Overeating or not eating enough
Smoking.
Related Article: Do You Suffer from Social Anxiety? You're Not Alone
What are some stress-relieving techniques?
Below are several strategies that can help regulate stress and reduce the likelihood of becoming overwhelmed:
1. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, breathing techniques, and muscular relaxation are all examples of relaxation practices.
2. Eating regularly and enough, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep all contribute to your body's ability to manage stress.
3. Maintaining a happy attitude and cultivating gratitude while recognising your day's or life's positive aspects.
4. Recognising that you cannot control everything and letting go of anxiety about things you can't control.
5. When too busy or pressured, learn to say "no" to new tasks. Prioritise tasks from most to least important.
6. Maintain contact with people who keep you calm, make you joyful, offer emotional support, and assist you with practical matters.
Stress can be a short-term or long-term problem, depending on what happens in your life. However, most physical, mental, and behavioural effects of stress can be reduced by adopting stress management practices regularly.
Our psychologists at ELD Psychology have experience helping individuals learn stress management tools and strategies. Contact our team of experienced psychologists to learn more.
Meet Your Clinical Psychologists In Newcastle
Dr Emma Doolan is a Clinical Psychologist based in Newcastle. With a collaborative and evidence-based approach, she helps clients overcome various challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma.
Emma is experienced in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other modalities like schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy. She holds a PhD in clinical psychology and has completed her registration as a clinical psychologist from AHPRA. Emma is a member of several professional associations, including ACPA, APS, AACBT, and APN.
Paige Cornell is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who have experience in therapeutic modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. She focuses on building a solid therapeutic relationship and tailoring treatment to each individual. Paige has experience in private practice, NGOs, and forensic settings.
She works with a diverse range of mental health issues, including anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, relationship problems, substance abuse, and offending behaviours. Paige is particularly interested in helping LGBTQI+ individuals and those dealing with trauma and substance abuse. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and a board-approved supervisor for psychologists. Paige is a member of ACPA and APS, holding a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor's in Psychological Science (Honours).
Taylah Armstrong is a Clinical Psychologist in Newcastle. She focuses on developing solid therapeutic relationships to assist individuals in enhancing their well-being and achieving their goals. Taylah is skilled in treating various concerns such as anxiety, stress, mood disorders, trauma, and eating disorders.
She utilises evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT. Taylah has worked in public healthcare, primary care, and education sectors. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist by AHPRA and holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle.
Paige Whitfield is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle with experience in private and public health settings. She collaborates with health professionals, families, and schools to provide evidence-based treatments like CBT, Narrative Therapy, and ACT for various issues. Paige has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (Honours) and a Master's in Clinical Psychology. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and is a member of APS and ACPA.
Dr Kaitlin Fitzgerald is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who takes a collaborative and client-centred approach to therapy. She creates a warm and relaxed environment for clients, aiming to make therapy sessions comfortable and even enjoyable. Kaitlin holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle. In addition to her private practice at ELD Psychology, she also works in public mental health treating adults with various mental health issues.
Kaitlin has experience working with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. She is skilled in evidence-based therapies like CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. Kaitlin is fully registered as a clinical psychologist with AHPRA and is approved to supervise provisional and registered psychologists.
Eliza Newton is a person-centred Clinical Psychologist dedicated to helping clients explore their deeper selves. She tailors her approach to each client, using psychodynamic therapy for self-exploration or structured techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Eliza focuses on individuals overcoming childhood trauma, including Complex PTSD, and helps those with ADHD develop organisational and emotional well-being strategies. With experience in private practice, inpatient settings, and psychiatric rehabilitation, she addresses challenges from anxiety and mood disorders to severe mental illness.
Eliza holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle and a Master of Clinical Psychology from Western Sydney University. She is registered as a Clinical Psychologist with AHPRA and is a member of AAPi and ACPA.
Disclaimer
The content provided on this blog is intended for Australian audiences and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared here is based on general knowledge and experience in the field of psychology, but it may not be applicable to your specific situation.
Always seek the advice of your psychologist or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a psychological condition or treatment. Never disregard professional psychological advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor, or dial 000 immediately. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations or institutions.