Stress is everywhere. You may have heard it’s a part of everyday life. That’s not a healthy view, but for many people, it’s reality. It’s likely that you’ll deal with some level of stress most days of your life. But what about the tough stress, the type that impacts your mental health and leaves you struggling with the ability to cope?
Data shared by OSHA states that about 65% of workers in the US say they have a significantly or somewhat significantly stressful job. They also report that workplace stress triggers 120,000 deaths each year.
Outside of the work environment, stress continues to have an impact on life. From meeting your budgetary goals to being worried about sending your children off to school, stress seems to be everywhere.
For some, that presence is so significant that it directly leads to physical and emotional demands, even causing mental health complications. Never ignore the physical and emotional stress you have. While you may not be able to remove the stressor, there are effective strategies for managing stress available.
Sometimes, the best way to give your mind time to heal is to take a break from the stress you feel. Depending on the source, you may wish to consider:
When you step away from that stress-causing problem for at least a short time, your brain can work through it. That directly leads to improving neural connections and stimulates a solution-based outlook rather than just trying to survive.
Choose to talk about your stress to someone who does not have an opinion about you or your lifestyle. Choose a knowledgeable and supportive person who is willing to tell you when you’re wrong.
Connect with others who share the same type of stress you do. For those battling substance use disorder or mental health challenges, a local group therapy program could help.
Seek out community-based or faith-based organizations that you feel comfortable with for help and guidance.
Meet with a therapist who can help you work through the underlying complications you feel.
Talking to others allows you to work through the stressors and what’s behind them. You don’t need someone to tell you what to do, but instead to help you navigate the choices you have.
Providing your body with the nutrition it needs to heal is another coping strategy for stress. Eat fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It’s critical to reduce the stress-building foods in your diet. Foods like refined sugars, carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats contribute to inflammation. Work with a dietitian to alter your diet in other ways.
How to Deal with Stress from Substance Use Disorder
Addiction fuels stress. Stress can lead to addiction. No matter which came first, dealing with both at the same time can help you restore balance and health to your life. Focus on these coping strategies for stress:
Victims battling substance use disorder will face intensifying stress until they get help. At Victory Addiction Recovery Center in Lafayette, LA, we recognize the intensity of your challenges, respect your desire to change, and provide the tools you need to work toward healing. Contact us today to learn more about how addiction recovery can help you.