Why do we struggle so much with stress?

Why do we struggle so much with stress?

There are a lot of factors that influence our levels of stress and it will vary from person to person. For example, the idea of public speaking might be extremely stressful to some individuals, while for others, it's something they love doing.

To understand this better, let’s first define what stress is.

Simply put, stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed when we don't have what we need in the moment to deal with whatever is going on in our lives. So, the person who dreads public speaking might feel stressed out because they're not confident about what they're going to say or worried they wouldn't be able to stand up to criticism if the audience disagrees with them. The person without stress might feel better prepared or less worried about the audience's response.

It also explains why stress is different for everyone. We all have areas of competency unique to ourselves. We also bring to the table different gifts, abilities, and resources. So, you might be stressed you can't pay the rent next month because your bank account is empty, but someone else might not have this stress because they have funds already set aside for this expense.

The problem with stress is it can crop up anywhere. We will all have parts of our lives where we feel unsure, empty-handed, without what we need to get by, or are simply lost. There's never enough time, money, or helping hands when we need them. Add to this the seemingly random nightmares we're forced to deal with, such as the boiler breaking down or a car accident. It feels like it would take a miracle not to be experiencing at least some level of stress in your life this very minute.

Worse, stress can make us feel trapped. While we might be very adept at seeing the problem, we don't always know the solution or how to find one. So, for the person who can't pay their rent, they might stay stressed out over weeks if they can't find a job or some other means to pay the money on time for their landlord.

The problem with constant stress is that it can have such a negative impact on our physical and mental health that we can't see a way out or any other perspective.

Doing something different and unwinding can work wonders for stress. It won't make the stress go away, but it will certainly help you sort out the reasons for the stress and figure out where to go.

Here are just some of the ways you can try to help combat stress:

Exercise

Exercise gives an endorphin rush that comes naturally from physical exertion. These endorphins help you to feel great, while the increased blood flow from exercise removes cortisol from your system, known as the "stress hormone." The added oxygen boost also activates your mind and clears it to think better as well.?

Get to the Root of Things

Being mindful will help you see the truth of this moment. As you relax, start noticing what you're stressed about, and see if you can understand better what's triggering you. This type of reflection can lead you to possible solutions.

Check Your Self-Talk

Is it negative? Start by reading affirmations or make a list of things you like about yourself. You can even say them aloud for an extra positivity boost. By being positive, your relaxation will leave you with a good feeling that will last for hours afterwards.

Issue a Challenge

If stress is about not having what you need, ask yourself if this thought is accurate. Most of the time, the things we stress about never come to pass. A reality check can help eliminate stress so you can relax properly. ?

Visualise Success

Visualisation is especially relaxing as it invites you to sit still for several minutes and do nothing more than think deeply about the things stressing you. Instead of focusing on the aspects causing you distress, picture the best possible outcome that can happen right now. Visualising this in as much detail as possible will help to still your mind and even set you up for eventual success later.?

What works for you when you're feeling stressed?

What could you do differently next time to help you see things from a different perspective?