This world requires a lot of us. We are faced with many demands on our time, energy, and money. We have responsibilities at home, work, and in our relationships that require us to be present and attentive. These areas often compete with one another, causing stress. Now more than ever we are learning how incredibly important and precious our time and energy truly are. 

Chronic Stress and What Causes it

If we let ourselves, we can get caught up in thinking we need to do more, achieve more, and just be more. We can easily lose sight of what truly matters and feel like we have no control over our life or our decisions. Often, this type of pressured lifestyle, where we feel chronically stressed, can lead to feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and burnt out. 

Chronic stress is defined as emotional pressure over a prolonged period of time where an individual perceives they have little or no control. It has a damaging effect on our health and wellbeing. If not addressed, chronic stress negatively impacts energy levels, motivation, mood, physical health, and other areas of our lives. 

The Physical Effects of Chronic Stress on Montana Residents

Have you ever had aches and pains seemingly show up out of nowhere? Or get sick after a big event or trip? This is your body telling you to slow down and pay attention. 

The body is the container we move through the world in. It holds all of our sensations, feelings, and stress. Because we live in such an action-oriented world that requires so much of us, our brains often override and ignore what our bodies tell us. We tend to overdo things, over-commit, and overwhelm ourselves. But if we slow down and listen to what our body is telling us, we can gather valuable information for tending to ourselves. 

Preventing or repairing the effects of chronic stress takes slowing down and finding ways to mindfully reenergize ourselves and destress. 

What to do Along with Therapy for Stress in Bozeman, MT

When thinking about the concept of finding things that reenergize instead of the drain, I was reminded of my clients. They ask, “what can I do in between sessions?!” I tend to take a second, smile, and say, “rest and play.” This is often met with a laugh or an eye roll, but I think it hits home for many people. Especially for those of us who have to get sick before we take the hint and take a day off!

Therapy for stress is a powerful tool when needing to slow down and feel less drain in your life. A therapist in Bozeman, MT will help you identify the causes of chronic stress in your life. Which will lead to you experiencing less burnout. However, there are important things you can start doing right now if you are feeling drained.

So, when feeling the burn of life, slow down. Listen to your body. Give these 3 ways a try to reenergize yourself:

Rest

To rest means to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength. We all know there’s nothing better than getting a good night’s sleep. But if that’s not possible, try to find moments of solitude within your day. Take a few slow, deep breaths during transitions from one activity to the next. Before jumping into your day, enjoy your coffee. I mean really enjoy it. Hold it in your hands, taste it, feel the warmth. If you can, communicate your need for a “rest day” to those in your life.

Play

To play is to engage in an activity for enjoyment rather than for a serious or practical reason. Kids get it. Adults tend to forget. Give yourself permission to play every day. When we carve out time to play, our relationships, health, attitude, and mood improve. Play enhances imagination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional well-being. It may take some effort to reengage or develop your playful, humorous side. Clear out time to have a game night, play with your kids or pet, do a puzzle, surround yourself with playful people. 

Connect

We crave connection and a sense of belonging to others. We need it to feel whole. To connect is to feel seen, heard, valued, and understood and gain nourishment and strength from the relationship. Take a close look at your relationships and invest your limited time, energy, and attention into the ones that nourish, strengthen, and energize you. Make those the priority. For the other relationships, learn to set limits and boundaries to preserve your health and wellbeing

Final Thoughts From a Bozeman Counselor

In this chaotic world, we are faced with many experiences that leave us feeling stuck, hurt, and overwhelmed. In this place, it can be lonely, isolating, and exhausting. Sometimes we need help navigating through the storm. It takes courage, persistence, and vulnerability to look inside ourselves. As we grow, change, and find meaning in our experiences.

Start Therapy for Stress in Bozeman, MT

If you are ready to stop letting chronic stress affect your physical and mental health then we are ready. At Bridger Peak Counseling our team of Bozeman counselors is ready to help you start therapy for stress. Let us help you grow, change, and find meaning in your experiences. Reach out to schedule an appointment at our Big Sky, MT practice today.

Bridger Peak Counseling Mental Health Services in Montana

Our caring therapists offer more services than stress management. Looking to attend individual therapy? We offer anxiety treatment, depression counseling, trauma therapy with EMDR therapy. If you are a mother contact us to speak to a postpartum depression therapist about starting postpartum depression counseling. Our marriage counselors can help you start strengthening your relationship. At Bridger Peaks Counseling, we offer online therapy in Montana or attend in-person counseling.