3 min read

4 Tips to Manage Environmental Stress

Stress can have a profound effect on individuals, both physically and mentally. On the physical side, stress can cause fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, and insomnia. It can also lead to digestive problems, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. Mentally, stress can lead to a lack of concentration, difficulty making decisions, irritability, and depression. The good news is that stress can be managed.

Environmental Stress

Environmental stress is a term used to describe the physical and psychological strain caused by unfavorable environmental conditions, such as stress due to the pandemic, inflation, natural disasters or extreme weather conditions, and stress at work.

Sometimes environmental changes are not always factored into the overall level of stress that one experiences. These environmental stressors can have serious health consequences and/or impacts on mental health issues.

To reduce the impact of environmental stress, it's important to minimize exposure to environmental hazards, practice good stress management techniques, and ensure access to mental health services. Additionally, advocating for strong environmental policies and regulations can help create a healthier and safer environment for everyone.

Ways Stress Can Manifest

Stress can manifest in many different ways. Some common signs and symptoms of stress include:

difficulty sleeping
feeling overwhelmed
irritability
difficulty concentrating
muscle tension
headaches
stomach issues
and more

It can also lead to increased anxiety, depression, fatigue, and high blood pressure. Additionally, some people may experience changes in appetite, increased alcohol or drug use, and an overall feeling of being out of control. It's important to recognize the signs of stress early, so you can take steps to help manage it.

4 Important Factors to Managing Stressors

Managing stressors can be challenging for some who do not think they have the time or know how to implement them into their schedule. However, individuals figure out a way to run one more errand, take on one more project, or do one more thing for others. But this is about your well-being so you have the capacity to keep going.

1) Identify your sources of stress. Make a list of things that cause you stress. You may not be able to eliminate them because let's face it—stress can be anywhere. On the other hand, after you identify your areas of stress, it's important to find ways to reduce their impact on your life.

2) Practice self-care to make sure you are meeting your basic needs. Take time to do activities that you enjoy, make sure that you are getting enough rest, and eat foods that are healthy for your body.

3) Find additional methods to cope with stress that are healthy. Create a list of activities that you can do when you're feeling overwhelmed. The following are a few coping skills:

exercise
positive thinking
relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga
lifestyle changes such as better sleep habits and healthier eating

4) Build a support system. Reach out to family and friends when you need help and consider joining a support group or finding a therapist. Finally, be mindful of your thoughts and feelings. Take time to reflect and consider how you are responding to stress, and find ways to be more positive and self-compassionate.