How to Manage Your Stress So It Doesn’t Take a Toll on Your Health

For most people, stress is a natural and healthy response to external stimuli. However, too much stress can harm your current and long-term health. Stress that goes unchecked can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions.

The experienced professionals at Thriving Center of Psychology can help you pinpoint your everyday stressors so that you can manage them more efficiently. With therapy, you’ll be able to understand the root causes of your stress and get on a treatment plan to prevent it from interfering with your life and diminishing your health.

Good vs. Bad Stress

Sometimes, stress can be a good thing because it can motivate you to get things done and achieve your goals. Moreover, when you’re under a healthy amount of pressure, your brain can strengthen its neural pathways, improving your mental functioning. 

Your body’s production of low levels of the stress hormone cortisol can decrease your chances of developing infections and colds. Occasional stress can also boost your immune system.

However, no one should be under constant stress, especially when there’s no identifiable reason for it. Excessive stress can harm your health and diminish your enjoyment of life. Common signs that your levels of stress are too high may include:

• Mood swings
• Upset stomach
• Changes in appetite
• Unexplained weight fluctuations
• Insomnia
• Chronic fatigue
• Frequent headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing

Continuous stress can leave your body in a constant fight-or-flight response. It can increase your risk for developing chronic conditions, including:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Depression
• Anxiety

If you’re self-medicating with alcohol or drugs to cope with stress or have the telltale symptoms, you should get help as soon as possible. Consider reaching out to the caring and experienced team at Thriving Center of Psychology.

Treating Stress

A psychologist or therapist will work closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan. Depending on the causes and severity of your stress, your provider will likely recommend one or more therapies and strategies, such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Couples therapy
• Meditation and deep breathing
• Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
• Neurofeedback training
• Lifestyle changes (e.g., healthy diet, exercise)

Importance of Therapy

Techniques like talk therapy can benefit individuals who deal with constant stress. Your therapist will talk with you and help you pinpoint the origins of your stress. They’ll also provide resources and strategies you can use to reduce your stress and minimize its impact. You’ll also get help managing depression, anxiety, or other side effects that often occur with chronic stress.

It’ll take time to see major changes. However, a proper treatment plan can steer you toward effective stress management. We also offer life coaching services to assist you with long-term strategies that include dealing with stress in the future.

To learn more about treating chronic stress, go online or call Thriving Center of Psychology today to schedule a session. They offer in-person or online teletherapy appointments.