Stress: Adults and how to cope
Stress, by definition, means a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation. Knowing what it means and how it affects the body are different, considering 8 in 10 adults are afflicted by stress. What are some of the causes?
Stress can come from numerous different aspects of someone’s life, but according to HelpGuide here are the common areas:
Common external causes of stress include:
Major life changes
Work or school
Relationship difficulties
Financial problems
Being too busy
Children and Family
Common internal causes of stress include:
Pessimism
Inability to accept uncertainty
Rigid thinking, lack of flexibility
Negative self-talk
Unrealistic expectations/perfectionism
All-or-nothing attitude
What are the effects?
Not knowing how to cope/handle the effects can lead to even more issues, including chronic stress/depression.
A great way to relieve/cope with stress is to play. Studies show (HelpGuide) that playing with your romantic partner, friends, co-workers, pets, and children is a sure (and fun) way to fuel your imagination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional well-being. Here is a list of ways that you can play:
Playing with your pet(s)
Watching movies/tv
Video Games
Game night with friends
With these studies becoming more known, many businesses are beginning to incorporate play into their employee’s daily routines. One of the companies with a well-known play-friendly workspace is Google. Their research shows that allowing play/stress-relieving exercises helps with productivity and overall morale. If major businesses/corporations are incorporating these things, why can’t you in your own life? Taking care of your body along with your mental health is a necessity! Love and take care of yourself!