Most of the time, when we hear the word “stress,” it strikes up negative feelings and associations for us. After all, it can lead to unhealthy behaviors, make us feel overwhelmed and anxious, as well as cause physical health problems. But it is also true that a certain amount of stress can actually be beneficial. For example, it helps us stay motivated, focused, and engaged in our lives. So when does the balance between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ stress tip? In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of pressure in influencing both positive and negative outcomes for mental health and well-being. Read on to discover more about how you can use your insight into the power of stress to take control over your mind-body connection.
Understanding Good and Bad Stress
First, let’s begin by exploring the key differences between “good” and “bad” stress.
Good stress
Good stress can be beneficial in a number of ways. It helps people to stay on task, achieve personal and professional goals, and even encourages creativity. There’s also a type of stress known as eustress, a positive form of stress that helps promote resilience and growth. Eustress can be quite enjoyable, providing a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It’s also associated with activities like exercise, traveling, problem-solving, or learning new skills.
Bad stress
On the other hand, bad stress can have detrimental effects on mental health and well-being. This type of stress is usually prolonged and intense, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, depression or even physical pain or illness. In addition, it can make us feel overwhelmed and disheartened, as well as causing us to become irritable and overreact to situations.
The Effects of Negative Stress
Next, let’s look at how negative stress can affect mental health and well-being.
Mental health
Negative stress can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression, as well as difficulty concentrating or making decisions. It can also have an impact on sleep quality and make it difficult to manage everyday tasks.
Physical health
Prolonged exposure to lousy stress can also lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, and weakened immune system. In severe cases, it may even increase the risk of developing serious and chronic diseases like heart disease or diabetes.
Relationships
It’s also important to remember that negative stress can take a toll on relationships. People may become distant, irritable, and unable to communicate effectively, which can lead to further problems in their social lives.
Career
Finally, negative stress can make it difficult to succeed in the workplace. It can lead to procrastination, missed deadlines and poor performance, as well as making it hard for employees to stay focused and motivated.
Managing Stress for Mental Health
When it comes to managing our mental health and well-being, we need to find a balance between good and bad stressors. We should try not to be too hard on ourselves when things get stressful but at the same time should also look for ways to reduce our negative reaction when faced with excessive amounts of pressure. Here are some ideas:
1. Vagus nerve stimulation
One of the most exciting and promising techniques for managing stress is vagus nerve stimulation. This technique involves stimulating the vagus nerve, which controls our heart rate, respiration and digestion. Stimulating this nerve can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health and well-being. There are even handheld devices like Xen by
Neuvana so you can stimulate your vagus nerve with special headphones and a dedicated app for controlling your sessions.
2. Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness can also be beneficial in managing stressed out feelings. Mindfulness involves purposely focusing on the present moment without judging whatever arises in the mind or body. This can be done through activities such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing and even art or music therapy.
3. Identify triggers
Take some time to identify the people and tasks that cause you stress. Once you understand what’s causing it, you can take steps to address the problem. For example, if you find that being around certain people increases your anxiety levels, it might be time to limit your contact with them. You might also find certain occasions or times of the year are especially triggering. While avoiding these entirely is impossible, you can plan ahead and take steps to protect your mental health when needed.
4. Prioritize self-care
Self-care is essential for
managing stress levels, so make sure it’s a priority in your life. This means taking time out for yourself and doing the things that bring you joy or give you a sense of satisfaction. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a jog, listening to music – whatever helps you feel good!
5. Create healthy habits
In addition to exercise and other activities, creating healthy habits like getting enough sleep and eating balanced meals is also important. It may sound simple but these everyday activities really do help keep stress at bay.
6. Create a space for relaxation
It’s essential to be able to create a calming environment when things start getting overwhelming. Whether that means taking up a hobby or meditating for 10 minutes per day, it’s important to give yourself the time and space to relax.
7. Schedule breaks
Sometimes we need a break from work or other stressful activities in order to recharge our batteries. Try scheduling regular breaks throughout the day so you can come back feeling refreshed and re-energized.
8. Take action
Finally, don’t be afraid to take action if you find yourself in a difficult situation. Talking to a friend, family member or professional can help to put things into perspective and give you the support you need.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know more about the
“stressed out” meaning and how to manage stress for mental health, you can start taking steps towards creating a healthier and happier life. Remember, it’s essential to be kind to yourself as well as try different techniques to help reduce stressed out feelings when they arise.