COLLEGE STATION, TX — Whether we know it or not, experts say many are coping with high stress.
And now coupling the high tension brought on because of the pandemic and the violence of scenarios playing out throughout the country, many are overwhelmed.
“There are a lot of stressful and terrible things happening right now, and that’s almost impossible for it not to impact our mental health” Margaret Stone, M.S, LPC, from College Station.
“It is important to recognize that while technology is great and awesome, it also kind of distorts our current reality, and helps pull us from being in the moment, and makes us feel like we are right in that stress, right in the moment, when really it is somewhat removed from us,” said Stone.
Stone explains it might be important, if feeling overwhelmed, to limit social media use to only a couple times a day, for a limited amount of time with each scroll.
Many mental health experts advise this time would be well spent building healthy coping mechanisms.
“It’s really important to build up our repertoire of coping skills, to help manage stress,” said Stone.
Exercise, talking with friends, being creative, and listening to calming music are all proven to help alleviate stress.
Stone also discusses the importance of knowing how to read your body for signs of stress.
“It’s really important to notice these changes in our bodies because your body is your best barometer for what’s going on in your mind, these things are really connected,” said Stone.
New or worsening headaches, muscle aches, and acid reflux are just a few of the many signs that could indicate increasing stress levels.
“So while we can’t avoid stressful situations and anxiety in life, we can do things to help tolerate and manage it“ concluded Stone.
