Stress can be either positive or negative depending on how it is affecting us and how we manage stress. Put simply, stress is our response to a stressor.
Think of the stressor of an upcoming job interview. There is stress or pressure to do well, to prepare thoroughly, research the company and role, to present your best self and make sure you answer questions completely and accurately.
At times, stress can be positive as it motivates preparation, for example. However, stress can be negative in that it may stop us from preparing or dealing with the stressors. Many people may have heard of ‘procrastinating’ where we put off a task by doing anything else.
Here are we talking about one stress. But we can also have multiple stressors occurring at a time. This can seem very overwhelming.
So what is a stressor?
A stressor is something that causes tension or strain in a person.
And what is stress?
Stress is a normal response that is short-term and based on stressor that is present.
Anxiety, on the other hand, may not have a specific stressor and sustains over a period of time. Read more about anxiety in our articles, here.
Stressors are not just task-based like a job interview coming up. They can be based on issues in a relationship, a life event like a wedding, or baby shower, or difficulties with a load of things that you are carrying.
Stress relief ideas
It is important to check in on the number of stressors and stress in your life and understand what you are doing to cope and talk through what is happening.
Step 1
Grab a pen and paper and write down the amount of stressors gathering in your head. How many are there? 0-5, 5-10, or more?
In terms of the types of stressors, will some go soon (such as a task being completed or a bill paid)? Or are there ongoing stressors?
Step 2
Think about what things help you cope with this load of stressors? What coping strategies help you at the moment to slow yourself down? This might be breathing techniques, or taking a break from a task, or knocking out one or two stressors by completing a task.
Steps 1 and 2 are about managing stressors in a tangible way. However, sometimes it can be very overwhelming. That’s when you need a second person who is outside of the situation to help talk through possible strategies.
Who do you talk to about your stress and what is going on in your head?
Airing stressors can help and Safe Place Therapy is here for you.
Want some support?
Some stress counselling may be able to help slow you down and unpack some stressors so they are more manageable.
Our mental health professionals are here for you.
Head to our bookings page to make a time. Safe Place Therapy is your safe place to talk.
