Easy ways to identify and reduce the stress in your life

In small doses, stress can help you get things done, like pass a test or achieve a goal. But if you’re stressed all the time, you end up draining your body of the energy it needs to function normally. Learn how to identify signs of stress in yourself so you can take steps to improve your mood.
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What is stress?

Stress is simply your body’s coping mechanism for danger. When your body thinks you’re in trouble – even if that trouble is imagined – it goes into survival mode and releases stress hormones. In a real emergency, stress gives you extra energy to push through, defend yourself, react quicker, or think fast. 

The problem is, your nervous system often can’t detect the difference between physical and emotional danger. If you’ve had a fight with your BFF, your body can treat that fight as though it was a physical attack. The more times you activate your stress responses, the easier these triggers occur. You train yourself to feel more stressed. ​Learn more about stress here.

Common signs of stress

If you think you might be involved in a stressful situation, ask yourself if you are experiencing:

• Memory lapses.
• Poor concentration, judgment, and decision-making.
• Negative-thinking, worrying, and racing thoughts.
• Unhappiness, anxiety, agitation, or depression.
• A general feeling of being overwhelmed.
• Loneliness and a sense of isolation.
• A desire to eat more or less than usual.
• Aches and pains in your body.
• Chest pains or a rapid heart rate.
• A desire to neglect or procrastinate on your responsibilities.
• Constant sickness, such as colds or flu.
• Diarrhea, constipation, or an upset stomach.
• Dizziness and nausea.
• Nervous habits developing, such as biting your nails.
• Disturbed sleep (too much or too little)

Causes of stress

Stress can be caused by many things. It can also be a symptom of a more serious condition. Common causes of extreme stress are a death in your family, relationship break-up, parents divorcing, being injured or taken ill, bullying, or striving for a particular goal. Big life changes, financial problems, negative self-talk, and pessimism all contribute to stress, according to the Helpguide website.

Activities to improve your ability to handle stress

If you find yourself frequently stressed out, doing these activities on a regular schedule can help reduce your stress levels:

• Moving your body, through exercise, dancing, or taking the dog for a walk.
• Engaging your sense, by listening to music, reading a poem, or going to a play.
• Connect with another human, by calling up your BFF to chat, hanging out with your family, or joining a new club at school.
• Eat healthy foods: A diet that’s high in protein, vegetables, and fatty acids will keep you feeling (and looking) great.
• Get some sleep: Improve your sleep routine and turn off your screen to help improve your mood.
• Figure out how you relax, by taking a yoga class, meditating, or colouring.

Remember, a little bit of stress is a good thing, but too much could leave you feeling tired, irritable, and not performing at your best. Luckily, there are lots of ways to lower your stress levels.