Stress Management Strategies

Reducing stress is vital to protect your mood, productivity, and overall health and well-being. Learning stress management strategies can help you deal with stress and difficult situations in a healthy manner.

If you’re struggling with stress and how to handle it, Mosh can help you. We connect you with health practitioners in Australia who can answer your mental health questions and assist you in dealing with any stress and anxiety issues you might be facing.

Want to learn the answer to the question ‘What is stress?’ and discover stress management strategies that can help you manage your stress? Read on to discover what you can do.

What is stress?

Stress is a natural reaction when an individual is under pressure or feeling overwhelmed. As your body releases stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, when confronted with these situations, you may experience physical symptoms alongside their mental effects.

While the body’s initial response to stress can be helpful in response to danger, chronic stress that lasts for a more extended period of time can cause long-term health problems such as mental health disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a lowered immune system, among other complications.^[1]

The use of stress-relieving methods can help combat the long-term effects of stress. Some tried-and-tested stress relief techniques include progressive muscle relaxation or PMR, mindfulness, yoga, physical activity, and deep breathing. ^[2]

However, while these stress management strategies work for some people, they may not work for others. That’s where Mosh comes in. Mosh can connect you with AHPRA-registered health practitioners who are happy to help you find techniques to manage stress levels and even prescribe treatment for stress and other issues with mental health if deemed necessary.

How does stress affect the body if it isn’t controlled?

Long-term stress in your life can be a very real problem for many people. Not only does it cause physical discomfort, but it also has been linked to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health issues.^[3]

It’s important to learn healthy ways to reduce stress as a preventative measure and to protect your mental, emotional, and physical health. Here are some general tips to manage stress you can incorporate into your daily life.

Find time for yourself. Set aside time in the day to do something that helps you feel relaxed. This can be as small as taking hot baths or showers, going for a walk, or listening to relaxing music.
Eat a well-balanced diet. Staying on top of your diet and eating healthy can provide extra energy to cope with stressful events. Foods like polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fats and vegetables, may also help to regulate cortisol levels.^[4]
Get enough sleep. A lack of sleep has been linked to elevated levels of stress.^[5] Getting a healthy amount of sleep each night can help combat this and make you more prepared to tackle stressful situations.
Try journaling. A study has found that writing down our deepest feelings and thoughts can improve our physical and psychological well-being.^[6] Journaling may help you feel in control of your emotions and identify fears or concerns that may be causing you stress.

What are some simple stress management techniques for students?

If you’re a student, the pressure to perform can be intense during the school year, but it’s important to remember that there are a few simple ways you can cope with stress.

Meditating, or taking a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on breathing, can help calm your mind and body and is one of the many ways to deal with anxiety and stress^[7] and may even help you fall asleep more easily. In a relaxed position, simply take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth, focusing on how it feels as you inhale and exhale with each breath.

Yoga has also been shown to significantly reduce depression, anxiety, and stress levels.^[8] Incorporating yoga alongside calming breathing techniques done during meditation sessions could be a great way for both students and adults to manage their stress in their own time.

However, it’s best to keep in mind that certain stress management strategies may work for some but not for others. When you’ve tried several stress-relieving techniques but haven’t found anything that works, seeking professional help is your best option. However, going to a physical clinic may be daunting and even add to your stress.

That’s why at Mosh, our health practitioners can help you learn how to manage stress in the comfort of your own home, as we are 100% online. That way, getting professional advice from our expert team is as convenient and easy as ever.

Does exercise really help with overcoming stress?

Exercise is good for your body and your mind. It can help alleviate the symptoms of stress, improve sleep and energy levels, lift your mood, and help stabilise your weight, among many other benefits.^[9]

Getting enough exercise can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself, and while there are many physical benefits that come with exercise – including lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and reduced risk of heart attack, among many others ^[10] – focusing on its mental benefits as well can help you find and stick to a routine that you enjoy doing and make exercise a reprieve from causes of stress.

You should, however, remember that, as with any routine that includes physical activity, your overall health condition and preferences should be factored into what kind of exercises you do. That’s why at Mosh, we make sure that you receive advice that is tailored to your unique needs and wants. Aside from stress management strategies, Mosh doctors can help you with other health concerns like how to lose weight, what causes hair loss, and how to deal with anxiety.

To get started, simply fill out a short questionnaire that will help our health practitioners find the right advice and potential treatment that you need. So, if you’re ready to learn about stress management strategies that would work best for you, talk to a Mosh health practitioner today.

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FAQs

Q: What are stress management strategies?

A: Stress management strategies are techniques and practices that help individuals handle and cope with stress in their lives.

Q: How can I reduce stress in my life?

A: To reduce stress in your life, you can try deep breathing exercises, engage in physical activity, practice mindfulness, or seek social support.

Q: What are the effects of stress on the body and mind?

A: Stress can have both physical and mental effects on the body, such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.

Q: What are some relaxation techniques to manage stress?

A: Relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, yoga, and meditation can help manage stress and promote relaxation.

Q: How can I identify stressors in my life?

A: To identify stressors, pay attention to situations, people, or experiences that increase your stress levels or trigger stress responses in your body and mind.

Q: What are some tips to manage stress and anxiety?

A: Some tips to manage stress and anxiety include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing relaxation techniques, setting boundaries, and seeking professional help if needed.

Q: How does chronic stress impact mental and physical health?

A: Chronic stress can cause a range of negative effects on both mental and physical health, such as increased risk of heart disease, depression, and immune system suppression.

Q: What are some effective stress relievers?

A: Effective stress relievers include exercise, spending time in nature, listening to music, practising mindfulness, and engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy.