Stress Management

Stress is a common mental, emotional and physical response to a difficult or challenging occurrence or situation.  Brief levels of slightly increased stress are often inevitable and can even result in positive outcomes including change, motivation or growth. Yet, stress becomes problematic when it is either prolonged or it starts interfering with one’s quality of life and well-being. Some causes of stress may include work, school, health, finances, relationships, family responsibilities, or a significant change in one’s life, either expected or unexpected.   With that said, the causes, experience, and effects of stress range so greatly with each individual. Together, we can understand the root of any current, unmanageable, stress and work towards individual, realistic and sustainable techniques, strategies and/or healthy coping mechanisms. 

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Common symptoms of stress include: 

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• Changes in physical symptoms, including difficulty sleeping, body pains, chest pains, dizziness and/or exhaustion

• Shifts in physical health including high blood pressure, digestive problems, and/or a weakened immune system

• Changes in confidence and ability, including self-doubt and/or self-worth

• Changes in mental symptoms, including racing thoughts, anxiety, depression, increased worrying, panic and/or anxiety attacks, disappointment, frustration

• An increase in problematic behaviors, including excessive drinking or the use of substances, overeating, gambling and/or smoking

• Isolating 

• Procrastinating or difficulty starting/finishing tasks

• Chronic feelings of being overwhelmed

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