What is stress management?
The definition Merriam-Webster gave is ways to deal with stress.
The Cambridge Dictionary definition is: a method of limiting stress and its effects by learning ways of behaving and thinking that reduces it.
The Psychology Dictionary defines stress management as the ability to cope with stress.
According to psychologistworld.com, stress management encompasses techniques intended to equip a person with effective coping mechanisms for dealing with psychological stress.
The definition I use for my coaching is: Stress management is the ability to effectively reduce or minimize stress by using tools, techniques and strategies. It is learning new ways of behaving and thinking to reduce the impact stress has on your emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.
Why is managing stress important?
Managing stress is important because stress is not good for your body and mind. Long term stress can have a damaging effect on your emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. Unmanaged stress can lead to illness and diseases which can cause death. It can also lead to mental issues such as anxiety issues, depression and mood disorders.
Every time we are stressed, adrenaline is being pumped into our body which triggers the fight or flight response. Our brain wants to either fight off the stress or run from the stress, we do that by learning how to manage the stress.
If we ignore the stress and the fight or flight triggers, the stress hormones will remain in our body which weakens the immune system. When a new stressor occurs, the new stress hormones will build upon the previous stress hormones thus doubling, tripling, or quadrupling the amount of stress you are dealing with. Continuing in this manner will cause damage to the immune system and it will make it harder for your body and mind to recover from stress and it will take longer. This is similar to having the car in park and you constantly stepping on the gas pedal. Constantly stepping on the gas pedal, revving the car engine will cause wear and tear on the cars’ components.
Stress Management
Managing stress can help you prevent serious emotional, mental and physical issues down the line. Effective stress management will help reduce stress in your life so you can be more balanced, resilient and relaxed. Stress management is a skill everyone should learn in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.