Stress: it’s something that’s virtually unavoidable these days. We all experience it, even when we try our hardest to avoid it. It can come from relationships, projects or even the unknown.

The saddest part, to me, is that it is affecting our children. School-aged children are feeling immense amounts of pressure which can sometimes lead to self-harm and suicide.

It is said that 10.4 million working days lost each year due to stress, anxiety and depression.

So, what is this overbearing feeling?

Stress can be defined as a response to a perceived threat to ones wellbeing.

Your body’s response to stress is its way of protecting itself. When working efficiently, it helps us to be focussed and alert.

There are many causes of stress, which can be both external and/or internal.

External stressors include: major life changes, clients, lack of support, complex work, children and family, financial problems.

Internal stressors include: fear, lack of direction, self-critique, sever worry, pessimism, negative self-talk, rigid thinking.

Signs of stress can present themselves in the follow ways: physically, emotionally, and behaviourally; affecting your mind, body and behaviour. It can also affect relationships at home, work and in the society.

Factors that can help to cope with stress include: having a sense of control, having a positive attitude and outlook, the ability to deal with one’s emotions, one’s knowledge, preparation and self-awareness.

To cope with stress:

Set aside relaxation time

Sometimes you need to stop and reflect. Ask yourself: what am I doing and why? If you can provide an answer that’s worthwhile then that will reassure you that something is right. However, if you can’t, then you know to move on to something of value.

Exercise regularly

Taking time to increase your well being physically will improve you mentally. Exercise is also proven to relieve stress.

Reconnect with your spirituality – seek support and confidence in God

In times of struggle we need to turn back to only thing that can guarantee stability: God. If we root ourselves in Him and remember he handles all of our cares that will lift the burden from us.

Develop an attitude of gratitude

Many people are kept in lack, scarcity and poverty by their lack of gratitude. Gratitude will keep you in close harmony with creative thought and prevent you from falling into competitive and insidious thoughts. If you dwell on the inferior, you will become inferior in your thought. If you have the attitude of gratitude you become positive and energised.

Find and engage a coaching relationship

It’s important to surround yourself with others who are going through similar but are heading to great places just as you plan to. Even better, is to seek council from a professional to coach you through your stress.

We’re to help you