Navigating Stress in a Stressful Environment

How does stress manifest in our body and mind?

We have all had the experience of laying down at the end of a busy day, physically exhausted and ready for a night of sleep, only to find that when our head hits the pillow, we can't seem to shut our mind off and rest. Trouble sleeping is just one of the negative health effects that stress can embody in our lives if we neglect to manage it appropriately.

Please note the title of this blog - Navigating Stress - NOT erasing it. 

It is no mystery that we all experience some level of stress day to day, as it is a necessary and natural response to demands and challenges. It is the fight or flight response which helps prepare our body for danger. It is a means of motivation to meet deadlines, increase productivity, and take action to meet personal and professional goals. It is a means of strengthening relationships, as sharing stressful situations (Saturday AM EMOM anyone?) can provide a sense of empathy within the community. These positive effects of stress also come with the responsibility to appreciate when stress might be taking a negative toll on our body and mind, and how to cope with it. 

The first step to living with a healthy level of stress is awareness. Paying attention to changes in physical and emotional well-being that may be brought on by stress is as simple as: 

• Monitoring Physical Symptoms: Track sleep, observe energy levels, monitor changes in appetite, take note of muscle pain, headaches, fatigue
• Monitoring Emotional and Mental Symptoms: Track mood swings, feelings of anxiousness, lack of concentration and focus 

Once we become aware that stress may be taking a toll on our bodies in a way that is unhealthy, we can start to acknowledge the WHY. What demands and challenges are we facing lately that might have caused a disruption in our homeostasis?

• Work-related factors
• Financial issues
• Personal Conflicts
• Caregiver responsibilities
• Personal Expectations and Perfectionism
• Technology Overload - (Our bodies aren't designed to be mentally tuned into everything that is going wrong in the world 24/7)
• Time Management Issues

These are just a few of the obstacles that can lead to chronic stress response within the body. Listed below is a brief list of healthy ways of coping with the stress in your life:

1. Mindfulness techniques: Acknowledge and let go of negative or random mental chatter while engaging in an activity that you enjoy. (Spending time with a pet, journaling, cooking a new recipe you have saved on Pinterest, going for a walk in nature.)
   
   
2. Exercise: Engaging in physical activity is an evidence-based way that individuals can cope with stress-related disorders and anxiety.
   
   
3. Open a conversation: Talking with a family member, friend, or even therapist.

Here at Elevated PT & Fitness, we believe that coping with stress in a healthy way plays a role in your perception of pain, and the success of your healing process. As every healthcare provider should, we make sure to check in with you about your stress, sleep, and nutrition habits as a part of our holistic approach to physical therapy. If you feel as if stress is keeping you from healing a nagging pain or injury, reach out to us for some guidance! It is our passion to get you feeling stronger and back to doing the things you love.