Mental Health Reimagined

In this day and age high stress levels are inevitable, in fact some stress can actually be healthy. So how do you know that your stress has gotten the best of you? Are you taking on more than you can handle? It’s important to find out the sources of your stress and how to be the master of your personal wellbeing.

Chronic Stress can lead to Heart Disease, Clinical Depression, Panic Disorder, Hair Loss, Hormonal Imbalances, and Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome amongst other unhealthy physical and mental consequences. Although the effects of stress can be pretty dismal, there is HOPE! By assessing your stress level and starting to make positive steps in the direction of reducing and managing your stress you can begin to improve the quality of your life significantly. You can start by asking yourself if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Sleep Patterns- Do you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night? Are you sleeping more than usual?
• Appetite Changes- Are you eating more or less than normal when distressed?
• Anxiety- Do you find yourself feeling anxious in situations where you were once comfortable?
• Mood- Have you noticed a dramatic change in your mood or general attitude?
• Muscle Tension- Are you feeling hypertension in your body especially in your neck, jaw and/orshoulders?
• Low Immunity- Have you been getting sick more often than usual?
• Fatigue- Are you feeling overly extended or exhausted on a regular basis?

If you said yes two or more of these symptoms, stress may be wreaking havoc on your mental and physical health. By taking control of your wellbeing today, you are contributing to a much healthier, happier tomorrow. You can start your journey to wellness by trying some of the following stress reduction techniques.

• Try to narrow down the source/sources of your stress and find ways to eliminate what you don’t need.
• Learn how to say NO. It’s perfectly OK to stand up for yourself by not taking on more than you can handle.
• Try Relaxation Techniques such as Deep Breathing, Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi or Taking Hot Baths to keep your mind and body calm.
• Involve yourself in activities and hobbies that you enjoy. Stay as active as possible!
• Avoid substances that only temporarily numb or disguise your stress.
• Talk to an expert Elttila Counselor today in order to develop a plan that ensures YOU are managing your stress and your stress isn’t managing YOU!