Stress Relief Techniques for Different Types of Stresses

If you are like most other people, you may have already tried various stress-relief techniques. Perhaps some have worked for you and others didn’t. Well have you thought about why a certain technique didn’t work for you?

One of the factors may be that the solution you are trying is not a match for the type of stress you are experiencing. If you still haven’t found the right stress reliever for you or you simply want to add more to your routine, here are some effective stress relievers based on the type of stress you’re experiencing:

Acute Stress

What It Is:

Acute stress is most commonly triggered by physical activity, like running a marathon, or competitive sports. The same kind of stress can also be triggered by big events, like graduation, a wedding, or a major exam. It is also commonly experienced in military combat or emergency situations, where a lot of time and energy is required to complete a task in a very short amount of time. It involves both physical and mental stimulation and is sometimes called the fight-or-flight response.

Stress Reliever:

Acute stress can be relieved through physical activity, like running or cardio. 

Running or other physical activities can also help relieve stress caused by anticipation of an upcoming event. After you do something that makes you feel the feelings of stress, you feel relaxed and the stress is actually relieved. 

Other effective things you can try are breathing exercises and mini-meditations.

Chronic Stress

What It Is:

Chronic stress is ongoing, it is not just an event that happens, it is a result of a person’s life, environment, and circumstances. It is the kind of stress that never really goes away and it can build up over the years.

Chronic stress is often the result of financial difficulties, a tumultuous relationship, working a job you hate, or other ongoing situations. It is usually the result of a struggle that you feel powerless over.

Stress Reliever:

One of the best ways to relieve chronic stress is to take stock of your life and analyze the causes of your stress. When you figure out where the source of your stress is you can begin to take the necessary steps to relieve it.

You can also try techniques like adding workouts to your routine, listening to relaxing music, and meditating. You should also consider therapy and joining support groups.

Emotional Stress

What It Is:

Emotional stress is one of the most common types of stress. It is triggered by a person’s emotional responses and reactions. In this type of stress, you are feeling some sort of strong emotion, like anger, sadness, or hurt.

Emotional stress can show physical symptoms, ranging from headaches and muscle pain to high blood pressure. If the stress is not dealt with, it can also lead to serious health issues, like depression or heart disease.

Stress Reliever:

You can manage emotional stress in various ways. You can play relaxing music, especially those with soothing natural sounds. Doing this while practicing mindfulness can significantly help. You can also speak to a therapist who can help identify the cause of your emotional stress and help you deal with it. If that’s not a possibility, speak to a loved one who you know understands you. You may also write about your feelings in a journal as research has found this effective in reducing stress levels. For one, writing down things you are grateful for can be especially beneficial. 

Burnout

What It Is:

Burnout typically happens when people suffer from prolonged chronic stress and they are not able to manage it. For many people, the conditions of their work contribute a lot to their stress levels that eventually lead to burnout - high expectations, lots of demands, lack of recognition for things they achieved, and more. 

Stress Reliever:

For burnout, you need to determine the root of the problem and deal with that. If you no longer love your job, you can perhaps think of ways to make it more enjoyable. Speak with your bosses and see if it’s possible for you to be moved to a different department or if there are other opportunities you could explore. If not, perhaps you can check to see what else is out there for you. Another option is taking some time off. If possible, go on a vacation.

You can also try to pick up a new hobby, perhaps something that you used to enjoy and haven’t done in a while. Whether that’s reading, playing music, doing art, cooking, or something else, doing something you love can help with your stress.

Of course, you can seek professional help so you can be guided on how to better deal with it. Exercise and eat healthy, too.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has shed some light on the things that you can do to help yourself manage different types of stress. From exercising to getting in-person or online counselling, trying out new hobbies, or finding joy in your job, the good news is that you can indeed do something about the stress that you are dealing with. 

If you are in need of a therapist in Guelph to help you get through challenges that are causing you stress, Chettiar Counselling & Associates is here for you. Contact us today so we can schedule your appointment with one of our therapists.