April is Stress Awareness Month. A very important month, as we are all more than familiar with the presence of stress. A presence which never quite seems to completely go away, nor for very long. Stress has a knack for sneaking into our lives, whether we invite it or not. From looming deadlines to that never-ending to-do list, it’s persistent.
But are you aware of your stress?
Probably not as much as you think you are.
So, let’s dive deep into the whirlpool of stress, a phenomenon that’s no stranger to any of us. Stress – like that uninvited guest who just won’t leave the party, it hangs around unwelcomed. But hey, before you slam the door on it, let’s chat about why it’s worth understanding.
To manage our stress, we must be aware of where it comes from and when we are starting to feel it. We want to catch it before it becomes a bigger problem, that has a major effect on our emotional, physical and social well-being.
How to Be Aware of Your Stress
How do we know when we are stressed? You may think this is an easy question to answer. You know when you feel stressed, really stressed. You might feel like pulling your hair out or yelling at someone. But we want to notice the early signs before it compound into heavier feelings.
Sometimes you may not even notice a particular situation is causing you as much stress as it is. We all have those moments, lying in bed awake, thinking about the day and your brain cannot get over an event that happened earlier. You re-think it, countless times and lose sleep over it. These are situations you may not have realised were impacting you at the time they were happening.
Your body is the key to understanding this. The trick is simple, pay attention to it and know what to look for. Here are some ways for you to be more aware of your stress.
When you are experiencing stress, your body will understand this and start to produce symptoms. Our bodies start to prepare and go into what’s known as “fight/flight/freeze/fawn”, the stress response evolved to help us survive.
Being stressed may feel like sweaty hands, a racing heartbeat and shortness of breath. You may feel yourself unable to think clearly, and tasks may get scrambled in your brain. You feel chaotic, cluttered and confused. Your body produces more sweat, triggered by the stress hormones and your muscles tense up throughout your body.
As you deal with the hormones and the impact it has throughout your body, other symptoms may arise. Symptoms such as clenching your jaw, inability to sit still, fidgeting, or biting your nails. You are more likely to get compulsions to indulge in food, alcohol or substances to make yourself feel better. Be aware of what you are doing throughout the day. Keep an eye on what habits you indulge in and when.
When these early signs kick in it’s important to register that your body is stressed. It’s not a great feeling and it’s not a productive headspace to be in. You may be running errands, rushing against a deadline or dealing with an unpleasant conversation.
Take a breath, take a moment to break away and focus on your body. Taking some deep breaths to think …. is this worth the stress? Maybe you can come back to this activity later or ask someone to assist you with it.
Be aware of how you feel and what is causing this stress.
Stress; The Impacts
Stress doesn’t just throw off your groove; it can wreak havoc on your mind, body, and soul. Think sleepless nights, grumpy moods, and tension. When stress comes knocking, your brain goes into overdrive, trying to process a million thoughts at once. This leaves you mentally exhausted, with brain fog, and a general sense of overwhelm that’s enough to make anyone want to crawl back into bed and hide under the covers.
Stress and chronic stress are debilitating, it prevents life from being lived to the fullest. It can suck the joy and energy out of you. This can be detrimental to the body, potentially aggravating health conditions.
While it is perfectly normal to experience a range of emotions from time to time, chronic stress sends you on a rollercoaster ride of anger, frustration and sadness. This can affect you mentally including trouble sleeping, being irritable, anxiety, depression and brain fog. These may have effects on your relationships and work performance. Stop worrying and remember things are all symptoms of being under too much stress. Social withdrawal is common as the constant worrying prevents you from being able to enjoy activities you used to love.
It’s not just a solo act. Stress has a way of spreading far and wide, impacting not only you but those around you as well. Whether it’s snapping at your partner after a long day at work or venting your frustrations on your unsuspecting barista, stress has a way of turning even the most zen among us into ticking time bombs. You may even find someone else’s stress has spread to you. After one interaction with a co-worker, you feel like you have a permanent dark cloud over your head.
Stress can sometimes be unavoidable, but it’s important to be aware of when we feel stressed and how we can manage it.
Unmanaged stress can have physical impacts on your body, from daily issues of uneasiness to nausea to headaches. Long-term, the presence of immense stress can impact your body and cause disease to prevail. Such as autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, obesity and high blood pressure.
We will talk about ways to manage and reduce stress later in this article. First, let us dive into ways that make life more stressful.
Such as KIDS.
Parenting is undoubtedly one of life’s most rewarding experiences, filled with moments of love, laughter, and growth. However, it’s also a journey marked by its fair share of challenges and stressors. The demands of parenthood can often feel overwhelming. Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s a profound sense of fulfilment in watching our children thrive and knowing that every struggle is a testament to our unwavering love and dedication.
Parenting is a tough gig, and stress comes with the territory. But fear not, because you’re not alone in this chaotic journey.
When Normal Stress Tips Just Don’t Cut It
Sure, you’ve probably heard all the typical stress-busting tips: meditate, exercise, and take a bubble bath. But let’s be real here. When you’re juggling work, kids, and a million other responsibilities, finding time for a zen moment can feel like a distant dream. So, what’s a busy parent to do?
Stress vs. Creativity: A Battle of Wits
Keeping on theme, let’s start by being aware of how stress impacts parenting. Have you ever noticed how stress has this magical ability to zap your creativity? It’s like your brain goes on vacation and forgets to leave a forwarding address. Meanwhile, your kids are over there building forts out of couch cushions and dreaming up fantastical worlds with their imaginations in overdrive.
So, what’s a stressed-out parent to do? Well, first off, cut yourself some slack. It’s okay to not have all the answers or be the fun parent 24/7. Sometimes, just showing up and being present is enough.
Here’s the thing: being under constant stress not only affects your creativity but also how you engage with your kiddos. They are in one imaginary world and you can’t figure out how to get in there too.
By recognizing the signs of stress and taking proactive steps to manage it, you can break free from the stress cycle and reclaim your role as the fun, loving parent you were meant to be.
So, take a deep breath, mama bear (or papa bear). Remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it, whether it’s reaching out to a friend, scheduling some self-care time, or seeking support from professionals like us. We are here to help.
Finding Relief with Family Intervention Services
Our company’s family intervention services are here to offer you the support and resources you need to navigate the ups and downs of parenting without losing your sanity. From people who understand the challenges, we’ve got your back every step of the way.
Our team of experienced professionals understands the unique challenges that come with being a busy parent. We know that stress can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being, which is why we’re dedicated to providing you with the tools and support you need to thrive.
Whether you’re struggling with communication issues, behaviour management, or simply need someone to talk to, our family intervention services are designed to meet you where you’re at and provide personalized support that fits your needs. So why go it alone when you can lean on us for help?
In conclusion, parenting stress is a real thing, but it doesn’t have to consume you. By reaching out for support and utilizing resources like our family intervention services, you can take control of your stress and reclaim your joy in parenthood. Remember, you’ve got this!
Learn more about our services: https://harmonycaresupportservices.com.au/services/
Now, let’s talk about something that often flies under the radar: stress awareness for individuals with disabilities. Life with a disability can be like navigating a never-ending obstacle course, with stress lurking around every corner.
Everyday Challenges Amplify Stress
For those without a disability take a moment to imagine this: even the simplest tasks, like seeing family or going to the shops, can be exhausting just to think about when you’re living with a disability. The fear of encountering inaccessible buildings or being unable to communicate effectively can turn a mundane outing into a nerve-wracking ordeal. The stress that people with a disability know all too well.
Take physical accessibility, for example. While most people take ramps and elevators for granted, individuals with mobility impairments often find themselves cataloguing buildings for access points. Or worse, getting somewhere and not being able to get in, these are painful barriers that make everyday activities feel like an uphill battle.
Similarly, for those with hearing impairments, the stress of navigating social situations can be overwhelming. From struggling to follow conversations in noisy environments to feeling isolated due to communication barriers, the emotional toll of living with a disability is real.
Support: A Stress-Relief Lifeline
But fear not, because you don’t have to face these challenges alone. That’s where support workers come in. Having a friendly face by your side, ready to lend a helping hand and turn your stress-filled outings into stress-free adventures is what Support Workers are all about.
A support coordinator can work wonders in organizing your life and removing the uncertainty of whether a place or activity will be disability-friendly. With their expertise, you can rest assured knowing that every outing is meticulously planned to ensure your comfort and enjoyment.
So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of living with a disability, remember that support is just a phone call away. Whether it’s finding accessible activities or simply having someone to chat with, a support team can make all the difference in the world.
Stress awareness for individuals with disabilities is crucial. By acknowledging the unique challenges they face and providing the necessary support, we can help alleviate some of the burdens they carry and ensure that life is a little less stressful and a lot more fun.
Now you are aware of your stresses, how you react when you are stressed and why permanent stress is detrimental to your health and well-being. Let’s talk about what we do about it.
Your typical blog post about stress would say “Have some alone time” and “Exercise every day”. These aren’t realistic goals for a lot of people, especially parents and people living with a disability. As we have discussed these extra challenges that add to the amount of stress in your life.
A single mum, can’t just take time for herself every day. The endless list of things to do and demanding kids mean that time on the toilet is rarely alone time.
Here are some ways to help reduce stress, that are perfect for anybody.
A good support system looks like friends, family, and professional resources. Not every situation will be appropriate to discuss with close friends or family. That’s why it is important to have professional supports in place for when you need it.
So here’s to Stress Awareness Month, a time for reflection, education, and maybe just a little bit of relaxation. After all, we could all use a little less stress and a lot more zen in our lives. Cheers to that!
For Professional Support with family or disability stress contact us today! Let’s work together to kick that stress to the curb.