Metro Atlanta Stress Management

Everyone encounters stressors in their life. Stress is a very normal—and even healthy—emotion to experience. But when improperly managed, stress can be more detrimental than beneficial to our health and our relationships. This is why stress management is such an important part of sound physical and mental health and can be important in how you move through your life. For stress management counseling, call CNSL today.

What Is Stress Management? 

Stress management refers to therapies and techniques that are designed to help a person control, manage, and even eliminate stress. When stress is managed, it can lead to a more balanced, healthier, and happier life. While stress can be healthy and even motivating, stress can also become chronic and unhealthy, leading to mental health problems and physical problems too.

Stress Management Techniques

The stress management technique that works for you may not be the same stress management technique that works for someone else. That being said, there are a few stress management basics that most people find useful. These include:

• Exercising. Exercising on a regular basis is a great way to maintain good health and alleviate stress. It can also be a good distraction from whatever stressor is on your mind.
• Eating well. Eating healthy, well-balanced meals can actually have an impact on how your brain is able to cope with stress. Stress and depression can actually reshape gut bacteria’s composition. Supplying your body with the right foods will impact the neurohormones, toxins, and metabolites that are released.
• Avoiding drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. Using them is not a healthy way to manage stress, and they can actually intensify stressors and make you feel worse.
• Deep breathing exercises. One of the best techniques for managing stress is to engage in deep breathing techniques. Belly breathing or box breathing are two ways to move oxygen to your brain and give yourself a reset.
• Meditation. Many people swear by the powers of meditation. Using meditation to practice mindfulness and mental focus can leave you in a more clear and emotionally calm state.
• Journaling. Sometimes, it’s difficult to get a handle on what you’re experiencing without being able to write it down. Journaling is a practice that allows you to put pen to paper, get clarity, and work through your emotions.
• Spending time in nature. Studies show that spending time in nature and green spaces is beneficial for physical and mental health. Some fresh air can help to alleviate stress.

Counseling for Stress Management

If the techniques above aren’t enough to effectively manage your stress, or you need help incorporating these methods into your routine, working with a therapist is recommended. Therapists use a variety of therapy techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help patients identify and manage causes of stress that may be complex or not obvious. And if stress is contributing to a mental health disorder like depression or anxiety, working with a therapist can be essential to achieving well-being.

To learn more about our stress management professionals at CNSL and how our services may be able to assist you, call us today.