“Stress won’t disappear from your life. And stress management needs to be ongoing. But by paying attention to what causes your stress and practicing ways to relax…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Stress Management Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Coping/Dealing With Stress
  • Managing Stress
  • Stress Busters
  • Stress Management
  • Stress Management Techniques
  • Stress Reduction/Relief

Stress TriggersStress Management

What are stress triggers?

In Stress Management: Stress Relief the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“To monitor your stress, first identify your stress triggers. What makes you feel angry, tense, worried or irritable? Do you often get headaches or an upset stomach with no medical cause? Is it hard to focus or do you have trouble sleeping at night?”2

Strategies

What are some strategies for dealing with stress triggers?

In Stress Management: Stress Relief the Mayo Clinic also note:

“Once you’ve identified your stress triggers, think about strategies for dealing with them. Identifying what you can and can’t control is a good starting point. For example, if stress keeps you up at night, the solution may be as easy as removing the TV and computer from your bedroom and letting your mind wind down before bed.

Other times, such as when stress is based on high demands at work or a loved one’s illness, you might be able to change only your reaction”.3

Coping Techniques

What are some stress management coping techniques?

In I’m So Stressed Out Fact Sheet: Coping With Stress and Anxiety the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) elaborate on:

“Learning what causes or triggers your stress and what coping techniques work for you can help reduce your anxiety and improve your daily life. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. Here are some activities you can try when you start to feel overwhelmed:

  • Keep a journal
  • Download an app that provides relaxation exercises (such as deep breathing or visualization) or tips for practicing mindfulness, which is a psychological process of actively paying attention to the present moment
  • Exercise, and make sure you are eating healthy, regular meals
  • Stick to a sleep routine, and make sure you are getting enough sleep
  • Avoid drinking excess caffeine such as soft drinks or coffee
  • Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts
  • Reach out to your friends or family members who help you cope in a positive way”.4

Physical Activity

Is there an association between physical activity and stress?

In Caring for Your Mental Health: How Can I Take care of My Mental Health? the NIMH note:

  • “Get Regular Exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time”.5

Alcohol or Not

Can alcohol help with stress?

In Alcohol and Stress: Why Alcohol Makes Stress Worse the (United Kingdom) Drinkaware.co.uk explains:

“The more alcohol you drink, the greater the effect it has on your brain function and – potentially – your mental health. Regardless of the mood you’re in before drinking, alcohol’s effect on the brain can lead to feelings of being less inhibited, depression, aggression, anger, anxiety – or stress.

Drinking alcohol can also interfere with your sleep, making stress harder to deal with”.6

Disappear or Not

Does stress just disappear?

According to the Mayo Clinic:

“Stress won’t disappear from your life. And stress management needs to be ongoing. But by paying attention to what causes your stress and practicing ways to relax, you can counter some of the bad effects of stress and increase your ability to cope with challenges”.7

Online Programs and Apps

Are stress management online programs and Apps available?

Depending on your Country, stress management online programs and Apps may be available.

Your health care provider may know of your Country’s recommended stress management online programs and Apps.

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help to manage my stress?

If you would like help to manage your stress, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In I’m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet: Recognize When You Need More Help the NIMH explain:

“If you are struggling to cope, or the symptoms of your stress or anxiety won’t go away, it may be time to talk to a professional. Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and medication are the two main treatments for anxiety, and many people benefit from a combination of the two”.8

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Stress Management?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

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Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Stress Management: Stress Relief. 18 November 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/stress-relief/hlv-20049495 Accessed: 17 July 2024
  2. Stress Management: Stress Relief. 18 November 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/stress-relief/hlv-20049495 Accessed: 17 July 2024
  3. Stress Management: Stress Relief. 18 November 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/stress-relief/hlv-20049495 Accessed: 17 July 2024
  4. I’m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet: Coping With Stress and Anxiety National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet Accessed: 17 July 2024
  5. Caring for Your Mental Health: How Can I Take care of My Mental Health? Last Reviewed: February 2024. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health Accessed: 17 July 2024
  6. Alcohol and Stress: Why Alcohol Makes Stress Worse. Last Reviewed: 28 September 2022. Drinkaware.co.uk https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/mental-health/alcohol-and-stress Accessed: 17 July 2024
  7. Stress Management: Stress Relief. 18 November 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/stress-relief/hlv-20049495 Accessed: 17 July 2024
  8. I’m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet: Recognize When You Need More Help. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet Accessed: 17 July 2024
Topic Last Updated: 17 July 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 17 July 2024