Conventional wisdom might suggest that you should hire a stress management consultant when you are overwhelmed and in distress. Chronic stress affects us mentally, physically, and emotionally. The signs include but are not limited to having trouble sleeping and feeling on edge. You may eat more than usual or lose you appetite.
Chronic stress makes it difficult to remember facts or information that is well known to you. When in a meeting or working on a special project, you may have trouble concentrating or staying focused. You also may have trouble making decisions or solving problems. Frustration and anger are common symptoms of chronic stress.
Physical Symptoms
The physical symptoms of chronic stress are often ignored or overlooked. When we feel nauseous, the thought may be that it will just go away or that it is a passing feeling. Stress affects the digestive system. It may cause nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. We ignore our aching joints and tense muscles when we get out of bed. The body should feel rested without aches or pains after a restful night’s sleep on a comfortable mattress.
Lack of energy and fatigue are common signs of chronic stress that get overlooked. Stress headaches are treated with ibuprofen and caffeine. Stress affects medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and rheumatoid arthritis. Other autoimmune conditions are also negatively impacted by chronic stress.
So many of us have become accustomed to dealing with chronic stress that we may think that it is normal. Chronic stress wears our bodies and emotions down.
A Counterintuitive Approach
A counterintuitive approach to stress management is to hire a consultant before the house catches fire and burns to the ground. That is, to get the necessary support before the signs of overwhelming, chronic stress present.
Stress management consultants offer supports that limit the negative effects of chronic stress. This includes helping the client to identify the sources of chronic stress in their lives. Consultants also educate while developing a comprehensive plan to address the stress related concerns.
M.L. Bailey Consultants works with our clients to help them incorporate stress management techniques into their lifestyles. We begin with an assessment that provides a starting point. From there, we assist clients to develop a workable plan that they believe they can sustain. Accountability is included with scheduled check in meetings or calls. We emphasize the importance of using strategies that fit you and your lifestyle.
Four Signs You are Ready
- You are ready to hire a stress management consultant when you are facing a major life change. The life change could include a new job, relocation, baby, marriage, divorce, or anything that would alter your current living situation.
- Stress also increases when anticipating an important event. Examples of important events include a final exam, college/grad school/professional school entrance exam, wedding, or a landmark birthday. Your emotional connection to these events contributes to the elevated level of stress.
- The onset of chronic illness or a health crisis increases stress levels. You will gain health benefits by hiring a stress management consultant upon learning of the diagnosis. The way in which you respond to the news will affect your stress level as well. A stress management consults is a vital partner in the management of your health.
- Chronic stress negatively affects sleep. Stressed individuals have trouble falling asleep, sleeping through the night, and waking up well rested. Without sleep, daytime difficulties compound.
Hiring a stress management consultant is an important decision. When made when you are ready, it could make a difference in your ability to manage stress causing life events. You gain the advantage of having professional support. You also have access to expertise that meets your specific, personal needs.
Are you ready to learn how to free yourself from debilitating stress?
“I want to be happy, whole, satisfied and successful. What about you?”
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