We all feel stress every now and again, but sometimes, it becomes overwhelming and the possibility to reduce it seems impossible.  We can’t find more time in a day and our financial and family obligations still need to be attended to.  

When we experience high levels of stress over an extended time, it impacts our entire sense of wellbeing. Our physical and emotional equilibrium is forced out of balance, we can’t think clearly, function efficiently, or enjoy things that we typically would.  The “list” of commitments and obligations negatively impact our emotional and physical wellbeing. When we don’t manage the list effectively, it grows, and as a result, our tolerance and ability to cope is further reduced.  It is truly a vicious cycle.  

Learning stress management is critical during these times as it helps to break the hold that stress has on your life.  You will be happier, healthier, and more productive. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun.  With that said, it is also vital to build resilience to allow you to overcome challenges that you will face down the road and manage pressure effectively.   Learning skills to help set boundaries, manage the “to do” list effectively, and implement effective stress reduction strategies will help get your life back.  

At Incentive Counselling, our counsellors will help you effectively identify sources of chronic stress.  These sources may not be as obvious as you think.  Major stressors, which certainly impact our ability to cope, like changing jobs, moving, divorce, etc. are fairly easy to identify.  However, identifying how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours dictate your management of of stress might be more difficult for you to pinpoint and these are areas that may be reducing your resilience and ability to manage those major stressors. 

A good stress management plan also must look at the ways you currently handle stress.  Sometimes, we use unhealthy coping mechanisms to reduce the impact that stress has on our lives.  

If you want to lighten the stress load and learn to face future stressors with confidence and resilience, contact us for an appointment today.