Everyone has stress in their lives and different ways of dealing with it. Stress can be triggered by almost anything from getting ready for an event, work demands, money, relationships, and so much more. There are healthy and unhealthy methods of dealing with stress. Let’s review what stress is and different methods to deal with it.
What is Stress?
Stress is your body’s reaction to a demand or pressure in your life. Stressors can cause physical changes to your body such as increased blood pressure or hair loss. They can also affect your mental health and emotions. Everyone has their own method of handling stress. Depending on the method you use it could be healthy or unhealthy. Ask yourself what methods you usually use to deal with stress and if they are healthy or unhealthy.
Unhealthy Methods to Deal with Stress
Stress can be difficult but how you cope with that stress could negatively affect your health if you aren’t careful. Some examples of unhealthy methods of coping with stress include:
- Drinking Alcohol
- Smoking
- Using drugs
- Isolating yourself from others
- Being aggressive or violent
- Negative self-talk
- Taking unnecessary risks
- Binge eating
- Self-harm
- Hurting others
If these are any of the methods you use to deal with stress, you should consider making some changes in your methods. These negative coping mechanisms can be harmful to overall health, addictive, and dangerous for yourself and others.
Healthy Methods to Deal with Stress
There are healthier ways to deal with stress that don’t put yourself or others at risk. Consider trying the following healthy methods of dealing with stress:
- Talking with a loved one
- Meditation
- Exercise
- Counseling or therapy
- Social actives
- Outdoor actives
- Reading
- Listening to music
- Drawing
- Cooking
- Self-care
These methods of dealing with stress are healthier options and don’t put you or others at risk. Try some of these methods when you are feeling the stress in your life build up. If you continue to have stress and trouble coping, reach out to your doctor or a therapist. If you feel that you are ever in a mental health crisis, call 911 or go to your local emergency room for help.