To meet the counseling needs of our clients we are offering both online and in-office counseling sessions. Call / Text (303) 900.3637
Stress Therapy
Stress is normal and something we all experience from time to time; you’re never going to fully eliminate stress from your life. However, long-term and excessive stress is actually quite dangerous. It is one of the leading causes of mental health disorders, increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression, substance use disorders, issues with sleep, and pain and muscle tension. If you’re experiencing stress, it’s important to take steps to manage it and find healthy ways to cope with it.
Your stress might be caused by external circumstances like a stressful job or relationship, but it might also be the result of internal factors, such as how you perceive the world around you. Whether your stress comes from the outside or the inside, it can affect your mental health and well-being. You may experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns, as well as mood swings or difficulty concentrating, which can lead to depression and anxiety disorders if left untreated. Regardless of where your stress is coming from, help is available.
One of the most effective ways to deal with stress is to speak with a licensed counselor. They can help you identify your stressors and develop new and healthier coping skills that will help you manage your stress. Some of the most common ways that people effectively reduce their stress levels include the following:
- Exercise. Even just going for a walk can help get rid of the mental fog caused by stress.
- Eat healthy foods and avoid alcohol and drugs, which are both known to increase stress levels.
- Get enough sleep every night (7+ hours), as sleep deprivation increases cortisol levels and makes you feel more stressed throughout the day.
- Set aside time every day for yourself, whether that means reading a book, watching TV, or taking a bath—whatever brings you peace, try to make it happen.
- Get enough sunlight—sunlight has been shown to help regulate moods in some people.
This list is not exhaustive, and we know that everyone’s treatment plan needs to be individualized. Dealing with stress is often trial and error; you have to figure out what coping skills work for you and how to reduce stressors in your life, which can take time.
Contact Counseling Littleton Today
Remember, stress is not a bad thing. In fact, it can be useful in many ways. For example, it can help motivate you to achieve your goals or work toward something you want in life. But when stress becomes too much for you—when it is consistently and negatively affecting your life—that’s when you need help managing your mental health.
At Counseling Littleton, we focus on providing you with the most effective treatment. To do this, we take a collaborative approach. We are here to guide you and help you meet your treatment goals. Through proven therapeutic approaches, we help you get from where you are to where you want to be. No matter what you’re facing, help is available. Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation.
