While moderate stress can sometimes be beneficial, excessive stress can severely affect mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
Living under constant stress, like dealing with a chronic illness without effective coping strategies, can lead to dissatisfaction, despair, and even mental or physical breakdown.
Chronic illness often brings feelings of helplessness, stripping away control and causing misery and emotional distress. You may find yourself feeling tense and unsatisfied if you don’t have or are unsure of how to live or thrive with a chronic health issue, and this can leave you stressed about what to do.
Managing Overwhelming Stress
If stress is impacting your health and happiness, consider using effective stress management strategies, such as:
- Reducing stress-inducing elements in your life, like toxic relationships and unrealistic expectations
- Practicing mental relaxation techniques, including mindfulness meditation, prayer, tai chi, or yoga
- Taking care of your physical health by incorporating regular exercise and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise regimen
- Finding suitable stress-relief activities, like gardening, reading, listening to music, journaling, spending time with supportive friends, or talking with your healthcare provider. And if recommended, seek counseling
- Eliminating unhealthy habits, such as excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
- Allowing yourself “me time” each week. Remember, engaging in hobbies and activities you enjoy is crucial for reducing stress
