Stress and lifestyle

Stress can affect not only your mental health, but it can take a toll on your physical health as well.  Experts recommend taking breaks from time-consuming tasks and activities. Use technology to help you unwind by taking a break from social media and other forms of non-productive digital use. Reevaluate your goals. Make time for yourself to reflect on what you really want in your life and what you are doing to achieve that. Spend some time to figure out what the most valuable things in your life are, what they cost and how you can align your wants with your dollars and time.

Spend a few hours going through your expenses and determining which you can do without and which you can leverage to create a more sustainable life. Recognize the new challenges. Change and new challenges can occur when you make big life transitions.  Consider how your small life changes might affect your lifestyle habits. Develop the mindset. Learn to think in more positive ways. Positive thinking can give you the will power to be successful.

When you are optimistic you are able to handle the realities of the situation. Engage others. Plan on engaging others to help you and be your cheerleader. Don’t make changes in your life alone. Do it with other people who you can share it with.  The thought of changing your lifestyle can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming and challenging. Don’t think it has to be all or nothing. Make it a part of your lifestyle. Begin to enjoy the little things.

Jessica, LMHC