Stress can be a problem for anyone, but people who are in recovery need to pay special attention to issues like stress and anger. Knowing how to manage your emotions is an integral part of maintaining recovery. If you are feeling stressed, it may be a sign that you need the support of an anger management program.
Anger and stress are two intense feelings that can feed into each other. Reducing one will help reduce episodes of the other. To learn how anger management can help reduce stress in your life, call Promises today at 844.875.5609.
The Negative Effects of Stress
Stress is a natural reaction to an upsetting or dangerous situation. At one time in human history, stress caused people to act quickly, protecting them from predators and other threats. Most people today experience stress in occasional small doses. This type of stress is normal and not a health concern.
If you feel like stress never stops and you are constantly under attack—even if you aren’t—you may be struggling with chronic stress.
Anyone can develop chronic stress, but those who are already dealing with mental health concerns, have experienced trauma, or are living in high-pressure circumstances have a greater risk of having chronic stress.
Some of the health problems that can be caused by chronic stress include:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Chronic pain
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Heart disease and heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Problems with memory and concentration
If you are genetically predisposed to chronic stress or have life experiences that put you at a higher risk, learning how to reduce stress is especially important.
Simple Ways to Reduce Stress
The question of how to reduce stress is a common one these days. Fortunately, there are many fun and simple things you can do to relieve stress and support your overall health.
Get More Exercise
It doesn’t take hours of tough workouts to help relieve stress. Experts believe as little as 150 minutes of moderate movement can help. That breaks down to just 25 minutes a day. If you are currently inactive, start slowly. Walk, stretch, and do other gentle exercises as you build stamina.
Minimize Screen Time
Social media and excessive smartphone use have been found to increase stress levels and compound mental health concerns. Too much screen time can also cause a lack of sleep, which increases stress levels.
Try Journaling
Writing in a journal provides an opportunity to express frustrations about the things that are causing you stress. Therapists often recommend journaling as a tool to help clients deal with chronic health conditions. Gratitude journaling, the act of writing about things you are grateful for, may be especially helpful in stress reduction.
Learn to Say No
Having too much on your plate is a recipe for stress. Decrease the demands on your time by learning to set boundaries and say no to things you really don’t want to do.
Spend Time With Friends and Loved Ones
Being around people who make you laugh and feel good is one of the best remedies for stress. Make time for coffee dates with friends, family dinners, and holiday get-togethers. Your mental health will benefit.
Get Help With Stress Management at Promises
Not all the effects of stress are negative. Stress is a natural reaction to difficult situations. When stress interferes with your quality of life, it could also be affecting your health. No one can escape stress, but you can learn how to manage and reduce the impact of stress in your life.
Take a look at your self-care routine and make sure you are leaving enough time to eat right, exercise, and spend time with people who love you. To get more help with emotional regulation, call Promises at 844.875.5609 or use our online contact form.