Stress
Overview
Stress is your body and mind's response to pressures, demands, or changes in your life. While some stress can be motivating, chronic stress occurs when these pressures feel overwhelming or unmanageable. It can arise from work, relationships, financial concerns, health issues, or major life changes. Everyone experiences stress differently, and what feels manageable to one person might feel overwhelming to another.
Impact on your general wellbeing
Prolonged stress affects every aspect of your wellbeing. Physically, you might experience fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, or a weakened immune system. Mentally, stress can cause difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, irritability, and anxiety. Sleep patterns often become disrupted, and you might find yourself relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, drinking, or withdrawing from others.
How counselling can help with manage your stress
Counselling helps you understand your stress triggers and develop personalized coping strategies. Stress management techniques include relaxation training, breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation. Cognitive approaches help you identify and challenge stress-inducing thought patterns and develop more balanced perspectives. We can work on time management, boundary setting, and problem-solving skills. Mindfulness-based stress reduction teaches you to stay present rather than becoming overwhelmed by future worries or past regrets.
Useful Resources
The Stress Management Society has practical stress reduction techniques
NHS Every Mind Matters offers self-help tools and resources for managing stress