Maintaining Wellbeing While Experiencing Long-Term Stress
Disasters, sickness and other emergencies can lead to stress that persists for an extended period. We’ve listed some information below that can provide guidance in taking care of oneself and others.
Self-care can be difficult to maintain when you are under pressure, particularly for an extended duration. Life can be tough, and people do commonly feel stress from time to time. Longer term stress however does not typically go away without specific action. We’ve listed some information on stress below as well as various handy tips on keeping your stress levels in check.
During stressful periods in your life it’s critical that you make time to do things you enjoy. Remember this isn’t simply a luxury but is actually vital to maintaining your mental and physical wellbeing.
It’s Natural to Experience Stress
Our body uses stress to create the additional energy required to perform outside its comfort zone.
Stress can be especially tricky to handle when you or those that are close to you are managing several different challenges, or when things have been tough for an extended period.
Any type of change in circumstances can cause stress, and these could be both positive or negative, and in your life or out in the wider world. This could include:
A substantial life change such as somebody close passing away, marriage, divorce, children being born or adopted, moving, taking up a new job or starting a course.
Sickness, or the risk of sickness whether related to yourself or somebody close to you.
Lingering ambiguity surrounding the future of you and those close to you.
Feelings of fear in the wider community.
Changes in the environment.
A change in the level of reasonability required for caring for others.
Changes in financial or employment circumstances.
Relationships changes.
Sleeping problems.
Pressure at work.
Common Emotions Caused by Stress
Being under constant stress can lead to feeling a wide range of emotions. Expressing these emotions does not mean you are weak, out of control, or having a nervous breakdown. These emotions are the body’s reactions to difficult circumstances. Common emotions caused by stress can include:
Worry.
Fear.
Anger.
Sadness.
Depression.
Irritability.
Anxiety.
Helplessness.
Exhaustion.
The emotions listed above are perfectly normal. It is necessary to process these feelings properly. It can be resourceful to understand how you feel and respond when stressed in order to manage it in a way that is beneficial.
Common Physical Symptoms of Stress
Your body can also be affected by stress. Typical reactions include:
Weakened immune system and illness (e.g. cold and flu).
Fatigue.
Heart palpitations.
Issues with sleep,
Repeated headaches.
Changes in libido.
Stomach problems.
High blood pressure.
Muscular aches and pains.
Connect with Others
Stress does not typically go away without direct action. Reaching out to your friends, family and community is a fantastic way to take such action and alleviate your stress. This could involve:
Visiting, calling or messaging the people that are important to you.
Connecting with others you know who might also be stressed.
Joining or creating a community group.
Enjoying your favourite show, movie or sport with friends.
Wellbeing, Pleasure & Leisure
While rest is helpful, stress still usually persists unless action is taken to deal with it. A lot of simple pleasures can make a significant impact on stress levels. They do not have to be time consuming, and a lot of them don’t cost anything either. Partaking in enjoyable activities when feeling stressed is not a luxury – it’s critical to managing your wellbeing.
Exercise regularly.
Practice meditation and mindfulness exercises.
Go outside and get some fresh air and sunshine.
Challenge yourself to develop a new skill.
Read a book.
Play board games, cards or virtual games.
Enjoy a relaxing bath.
Cook a new recipe.