Life can be very fast-paced now. Stress and worry can feel like they’re always with you. They are normal when things are difficult, like deadlines or uncertain times. Some stress can actually help you do your best. But when stress and worry continue for too long, they can hurt your body and mind.

Stress often comes from things around you. This might be work, money problems, or issues with people you care about. It can cause headaches, tight muscles, and tiredness. You might also feel more irritable, anxious, and find it hard to focus.

Worry is often about things that might happen in the future. Thinking about problems can be helpful. But if you worry too much, it can become a loop of negative thoughts that doesn’t solve anything and just makes you more anxious.

When stress and worry don’t stop and feel overwhelming, they can make it hard to do everyday things. Your relationships might suffer, and you might not enjoy life as much. Many people find it difficult to relax or feel happy doing things they used to enjoy. Even your sleep might be affected.

The good news is that you can learn to handle stress and worry better with the right support. The first step is to understand what makes you feel stressed and what your worries are like. Then, you can find healthier ways to cope.

Talking to a professional can provide a safe space to explore what causes your stress and worry. They can help you find ways to feel better, such as:

• Relaxing your mind and body: Learning to be in the present moment and doing relaxation exercises can calm you.
• Changing how you deal with your thoughts: Identifying and defusing negative or unhelpful thoughts that cause worry.
• Solving problems step by step: Learning simple ways to deal with the actual issues that cause stress.
• Setting healthy limits: Learning to say no so you protect your time and energy.
• Taking care of your well-being: Making sure you get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise. Building good habits in these areas.
• Accepting difficult feelings: Changing how you respond to difficult feelings while still doing what’s important to you.

You don’t have to be constantly overwhelmed by stress and worry. Getting support can make you stronger and help you deal with life’s challenges more easily.