We are all familiar with the concept of stress and have experienced it at different magnitudes throughout our lives. The demands of our life sometimes exceed our resources to fulfill them, resulting in the pressure that distorts our health. When used in a clinical sense, stress can lead to mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. But the question arises, how does it affect our mind, body, and soul alike? There is a strong connection between these three entities. Have you ever noticed that physical illness sours your mood and plunges your mind into depression? Likewise, have you ever observed a piece of good news that perks up your mood and makes you feel physically better if you were in discomfort before? If yes, you have already witnessed the power of one thing over the other two. Prolonged stress affects all of them, and you should take the following measures for a healthy physical, mental and spiritual journey.
- Reach Out for Professional Help:
While we do not blink an eye before getting help for our physical discomforts, dealing with mental distresses is something we prefer to do on our own. These mind games are very complex and sometimes exceed our comprehension capacity. When that happens, you might want to shove them and find escape by resorting to unhealthy ways. The consequences can manifest themselves from severe depression to even substance abuse. If you realize that you have taken a wrong turn and want to mend your ways, do not struggle alone and reach out to the people who know their way. To get rid of substance abuse, seek professional treatment at a rehab facility, like the Serenity at Summit Rehab or any other center that caters to your needs optimally. It will restore your mental and physical health, making you more appreciative of life. It is even better to get professional counseling from a psychologist before matters spin out of your control. We usually do that after we come out of our denial and face the reality that stress has started eating our sanity away. It may not solve the matters that cause stress, but it will give you renewed strength and wisdom to handle them without compromising your mental health.
- Exercise Regularly:
With so many mood busters you have to deal with daily, incorporate some mood boosters to balance it out! Take your mind off things for some time and immerse yourself in activities that alleviate your spirits. Exercise is a great way to freshen your mind and body, preparing them for a hectic day. Stress causes the muscles to become taut, causing pain and soreness over time. Exercise is ideal for keeping them in check instead of relying on medications. It also boosts the production of endorphins, the neurotransmitters that induce a positive feeling. You might have felt euphoric after a run or workout. This feeling, also called runner’s high, endorses a positive outlook on life in your mind, ultimately uplifting and energizing you. So hop out of bed early in the morning, and let the crisp air detoxify your mind and body.
- Help Others:
Small acts of kindness make a big difference for you and the person you are helping. Your involvement in social work will expose you to the problems and challenges others face in their lives. It will help you come out of your bubble and make you grateful for all the good things in life you might be taking for granted when dealing with your problems. Moreover, helping others will give a calming effect and a sense of joy and happiness for being able to make a difference in someone’s life. It strengthens your soul and revitalizes your mind.
- Meditate:
Where stress triggers the body’s fight and flight response, meditation does the opposite and induces the relaxation response. Fight and flight response is undoubtedly helpful in certain situations, and many people thrive on it. However, when prolonged, it can adversely affect your physical and mental health. So when you feel like taking a break from all the chaos surrounding you, turn to meditation to soothe your nerves. It will shield you against the atrocities of prolonged stress, help your recovery, and clear away the fog from your mind. The clarity and strength will go a long way to help you put down your challenges.
- Connect With Others:
Man is a social animal and thrives on healthy relationships. Interacting with the right people and pouring your heart out will direct your anxiety-stricken thoughts out of your system. Secondly, depression eludes a person to feelings of being lonely and unwanted. When you are socially connected, you feel cared for and loved by others. It will improve your mood and give you the contentment that you can rely on someone for emotional assistance.
Final Thoughts:
The hustle of our routines has incorporated stress as an inseparable part of our lives. However, stress can also be due to internal factors like overthinking and can be avoided. In situations where you can not prevent them, resort to coping strategies. Your quality of life depends upon a healthy body, mind, and soul. So, rewire and strengthen them instead of letting them become the victim of chronic stress. With some conscious effort, you will soon learn to walk through the stresses of life unharmed.
