Stress Management

Life has become too complicated.

Feeling overwhelmed? Life is stressful; and to make matters worse, it has gotten even more complicated.

We used to live our lives on the hamster wheel, running ourselves ragged, busy, busy, busy. Now, we are in a constant state of uncertainty and fear. COVID, wildfires, the economy, politics, and how and if to go to school increase everyone’s level of stress.

We’re dealing with all of that, while trying to work at home, dealing with the loss of a job, being sick, or having loved ones who are sick or immune-compromised. Maybe, your OCD has kicked in from all the cleaning and mask-wearing.

Life goes on but is extremely stressful.

Life hasn’t stopped while we try and just get through the day. The amount of change we have had to endure in such a short time is mind-blowing.

Guilt or shame about not doing enough or being enough, constantly feeling exhausted and fidgety, having trouble concentrating, being easy to anger, dealing with chest pain (is it COVID, wildfire, smoke, or anxiety?), insomnia, crying, and irritability are taking their toll.

All of these are normal stress reactions, especially when you have just a few stressors, let alone the current multitude of stressors with which we are dealing.

You ask yourself, “Is this normal, or am I overreacting?”

Uncertainty and change are a part of life.

The first thing I want to tell you is that things have always been uncertain.

You have always been dealing with it. It just didn’t feel that way because it seemed you could count on some things in your life like your job, your kids’ school, your health, going out to dinner, and giving your friends hugs.

All the “normal” things you used to count on are disappearing, or at the very least, they now are cause for constant concern.

Making sense of the new normal.

Trying to make sense of all the constant changes while still living life as you used to do is exhausting on all levels (mentally, physically, emotionally).

It feels hard to lean on anyone for support because everyone else feels the same way.

Maybe, it’s time to try a new approach for dealing with these new stressors in your life.

With help, uncertainty can be managed.

The second thing I want to tell you is that not only can you learn to manage the stress of uncertainty, but you can also lean into it and use it for growth.

There is magic in uncertainty. The unknown is where new possibilities exist.

I’m not going to pretend it isn’t scary. It is very scary! And it is where the new begins.

It is where potential lives.

Time to take advantage of uncertainty.

You don’t need to feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty making your life feel more complicated.

With the right counseling, you can learn to take advantage of the uncertainty and remove stress. Then, change can be seen in a new light, one with promise.

Together, we will work on your stress and help you gain insight and confidence to face these unexpected challenges.

Call me at (707) 387-0175 or complete the form below.