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You are here: Home / Blog posts / Let’s talk about…stress

Let’s talk about…stress

April 4, 2021 Filed Under: Blog posts, Mental health, Special Days

April is stress awareness month.

I’ve decided to start a new series each month where I talk about a topic that’s on my mind. I’ve had this idea for a couple of months but have been too busy to even think about writing it. However, there is no perfect time which is why I’m starting at 10 pm the night before I’m meant to be uploading a post.

I wanted to write a blog post on stress. I like to write blog posts where I have solutions for mental health/the environment. When it came to stress, I was stumped. Ever since I saw a couple of months ago that April is stress awareness month, I couldn’t think of what to write about. I’m always feeling anxious and stress seems to go hand in hand with it. And I don’t blog about anxiety or depression very much because I don’t know what works. Even though I don’t think I have depression as such anymore, I don’t know what exactly to write about. I think that I’ll always have anxiety so I don’t know how to talk about that either. Stress seems somewhat similar so I just don’t really have an ‘x ways to cope with stress’ or ‘how I cope with stress’ post ready to upload.

I think it’s better if I have an open discussion.


So.

What is stress

Cambridge dictionary define it as ‘great worry caused by a difficult situation‘.

The above is a meaning defined by people who aren’t mental health professionals.

Mental Health Foundation defines it as ‘Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure‘.

I think the two definitions work together well. Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed in a difficult situation.

You may be thinking, why are you writing about definitions?

Well, you have to start somewhere. Stress means different things for different people. As you can see, the two definitions above were created by different groups of people in different professions. I think it’s really important to remember that we all experience stress, but we get through it in different ways. What works for me might not work for others and what works for others might not work for me. And that’s ok.


Triggers

We all have different triggers. It can be hard to even know what they are. We are in such a stressful time at the moment and have been for the past year. None of us has ever been through a global pandemic that is completely out of our control! It’s been a massive change and the amount of uncertainty has caused stress.

It is important to remember that, it might not be just one thing. Often for me, there are lots of little things that stress me out. It can build up over time and then the tiniest thing could happen, and I would just breakdown.

Our responses

Did you know that when we experience stress, our body chooses flight or fight? It creates a hormone and chooses so that we can act quickly in tricky situations. But, what if your body chooses neither? For me, my body completely freezes. Maybe this is why for me, stress and anxiety go hand in hand. I freeze and therefore spiral.

Symptoms

Stress often brings physical symptons as well as emotional and mental effects. Physical symptoms make it really hard to know whether it is a physical or mental problem…or both. I’ve been experiencing this for many years…but that’s a different story.

What are some physical symptoms of stress?

  • Stomach/digestive problems
  • Faster heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Headache/dizziness
  • Muscle tension

Info from the NHS

What are some mental symptoms of stress?

You might think that mental symptoms are going to be easier to spot, but a lot of them are felt for a whole range of different mental health issues. You know your body best.

  • Forgetfullness
  • Indecisive
  • Worrying
  • Concentration issues
  • Overwhelming feelings

Info from the NHS

Stress has many more symptoms than the ones mentioned above. If you are feeling stressed, burned out, that you need some help then please reach out!


I’m learning now that I don’t always have to post solutions on here. Spreading awareness can be just talking, it can be learning what it really is, how to help others, how to help yourself etc.

Related post: Are you stressed? by Big Boys Cry

Join in on the conversation!

Best wishes, Cx

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About Caroline

Welcome to Enviroline Blog 💗
I blog to raise awareness about the environment and mental health - specifically eating disorder recovery.
I upload every Sunday and some Wednesdays.

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Comments

  1. bournemouthgirl says

    April 4, 2021 at 12:04 pm

    This is such a helpful post. Stress can cause so many health problems. I have certain things to do when I am feeling stressed. Spending time with family, my partner and watching my favourite shows can help me.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 4, 2021 at 8:14 pm

      Thank you so much! xx

      Reply
      • Miamii says

        April 11, 2021 at 3:14 pm

        Such a poignant blog post.

        Reply
  2. Nyxinked says

    April 4, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    Amazing post, pet! I always love reading about stress because it means people are finally waking up to it & how dangerous it is! I have something similar myself coming out tomorrow. x

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 4, 2021 at 8:15 pm

      Thank you, I look forward to reading <3

      Reply
  3. Kate says

    April 4, 2021 at 3:51 pm

    Thanks for making this post. I’m often not great at recognising the signs of when I’m stressed out as I tend to ignore the problem instead of facing it. But recently I’ve been trying to be more in tune with myself and recognise when I need to take a break <3

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 4, 2021 at 8:15 pm

      I’m so glad to hear, continue to take care of yourself xx

      Reply
  4. katieemmabeauty says

    April 4, 2021 at 4:24 pm

    I love how you talk about a range of mental and health issues! Stress is that one thing I’ve never quite been able to get hold of, and I’ve had WAY too many bad side effects from!

    Katie | katieemmabeauty.com

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 4, 2021 at 8:16 pm

      Thank you! I feel you xx

      Reply
  5. Ruth| Ruthiee loves Glamour says

    April 4, 2021 at 4:45 pm

    This was so spot on Caroline! Stress is definitely a thing and while I feel like it is completely normal to get stressed out, stress is not a good thing. With our busy lives and all, we tend to get stressed but I have found that taking a break, a step back, distracting myself from everything and just trying to relax when I feel stressed does go a really long way!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 4, 2021 at 8:16 pm

      Thank you! I agree 🙂 xx

      Reply
  6. Kelly Diane says

    April 4, 2021 at 9:55 pm

    This is such an interesting topic. When I’m stressed I tend to binge eat and then just feel really sluggish. Now that I know the signs, I can recognise it and do something about it. I’m looking forward to reading more posts in this series.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 6, 2021 at 7:34 pm

      Thank you 🙂 x

      Reply
  7. Shelly DS says

    April 5, 2021 at 7:16 am

    The best cure for stress is avoiding it. I know that’s impossible, but knowing what triggers us and avoiding it can be a great way to keep our sanity!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 6, 2021 at 7:36 pm

      Agreed x

      Reply
  8. Sophie Harriet says

    April 5, 2021 at 9:45 am

    I really like how you admitted you don’t have all the answers to dealing with stress, but wrote this post as an open discussion. Learning more about a topic can definitely help people to find solutions.
    I’m similar to you in that it’s rarely one big thing that stresses me out, it’s usually a combination of lots of little things that add up and make me feel overwhelmed.
    Thank you for writing this post!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 6, 2021 at 7:37 pm

      Thank you so much for all the love! x

      Reply
  9. Amie Cadwallader says

    April 5, 2021 at 9:56 am

    I’ve been trying to reduce my stress levels in my life, and learn to relax, and I’ve done a pretty good job lately. I feel like it is important to find good relaxation techniques & coping mechanisms!

    Love, Amie ❤
    The Curvaceous Vegan

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 6, 2021 at 7:41 pm

      Proud of you! x

      Reply
  10. Not-So-Modern-Girl says

    April 5, 2021 at 2:43 pm

    Great post! I love this series idea. I try and reduce negative messages on social media as they cause me to stress or worry x

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 6, 2021 at 7:43 pm

      Thank you x

      Reply
  11. Daniela says

    April 6, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Amazing post! This really helps me remember that stress can lead to other health problems so I should control it a bit more!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 6, 2021 at 7:48 pm

      Thank you <3

      Reply
  12. filippellia says

    April 6, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    I think this was a great post! Blog posts don’t always have to have a solution, I totally agree with you. Sometimes just using your platform as a way of having open discussions about things is important too!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 6, 2021 at 7:51 pm

      Thank you 🙂

      Reply
  13. Sara James says

    April 6, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    It’s a helpful post in raising awareness about stress. People with anxieties get overwhelmed more when dealing with it. It affects their health in the long run. Seeking help is a great way to deal with it.

    Thanks for sharing your own experience.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 6, 2021 at 7:51 pm

      I relate to that, thanks x

      Reply
  14. CristinaR says

    April 6, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    This was such a great post and love how you said that we need to spread awareness and not only talking about solutions, as with stress, it very much depends on the person. I usually take time to read, spend some time alone and cuddle with my cat. Thanks for sharing x

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 6, 2021 at 7:52 pm

      Cats are just so comforting in stressful situations. I love holding my cats paw <3

      Reply
  15. Chloe Chats says

    April 7, 2021 at 11:30 am

    Great post! It’s important to spread awareness, I feel like it’s not really treated as a serious issue, even though stress can cause so many health problems. I get stressed quite easily, but usually playing some video games or watch something to relax which helps me! x

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 7, 2021 at 7:57 pm

      Totally agree x

      Reply
  16. Love and Literature says

    April 7, 2021 at 1:17 pm

    Completely agree that raising awareness is so important! Thanks for sharing this x

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 7, 2021 at 7:58 pm

      Thank you x

      Reply
  17. theycallmetater says

    April 7, 2021 at 3:12 pm

    Great post! Stress and anxiety is a problem for me. I finally left a toxic job in December. That has helped, but I still find new things to stress about.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 7, 2021 at 7:58 pm

      Well done for leaving! I get you, I seem to never be stress-free

      Reply
  18. clairelomax2018 says

    April 7, 2021 at 4:03 pm

    Creating awareness of any mental health issues is so important and stress is a big one. A lot of people will struggle with this, even mildly and understanding the need to be open about how we feel is so important.

    I think stress is something I struggle with more than I realise x

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 7, 2021 at 7:59 pm

      Acknowledging it is so important <3

      Reply
  19. Headphonesthoughts says

    April 7, 2021 at 8:55 pm

    I always here the word stress but never read the actually definition of it. I also had no idea that this month was stress awareness month, that is great. Stress really can affect your day to day life. I always can tell when I get stressed, I usually feel more tired and my mind more foggy. This is great information.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 7, 2021 at 9:12 pm

      Totally agree, thank you 🙂 x

      Reply
  20. thatmamaclub says

    April 8, 2021 at 10:22 am

    This is such a helpful post and love the idea of blogging about exactly what is on your mind! I have been a lot more stressed recently due to returning to work after maternity leave. I think it is is just about finding the perfect balance! x

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 8, 2021 at 7:56 pm

      Thank you! I hope you figure out the balance soon 🙂 xx

      Reply
  21. amymayj says

    April 8, 2021 at 9:31 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing and raising some awareness – so many of us deal with stress every day and it can be so damaging both physically and mentally. I’ve found work is one of my main triggers and as a result my stomach suffers majorly, it’s a vicious cycle!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 11, 2021 at 2:49 pm

      Totally agree. My stomach goes dodgy too with stress :/

      Reply
  22. Kemi says

    April 10, 2021 at 4:48 pm

    Nice post – interesting to know some of the symptom1. I think I usually start breathing quite heavily when I’m stressed, but usually I’m able to slow down and rationalise my way through it slowly (but sometimes not)

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 11, 2021 at 2:49 pm

      I relate to that x

      Reply
  23. thethinkgoodfactor says

    April 11, 2021 at 2:49 pm

    Wonderful post, I really like your writing style!
    Awareness is so important and I agree that it’s crutial to learn about something fully to then act and find solutions to it. Having said this, different people will have different solutions so it’s great you’ve opened up the conversation and once people are informed they can digest the information and act in their personal best interest.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 11, 2021 at 2:52 pm

      Thank you! That means so much to me 🙂

      Reply
  24. lynnmumbingmejia says

    April 12, 2021 at 9:28 pm

    I enjoyed reading this, Caroline! Managing stress is so important to our wellbeing. Thanks for sharing xx

    Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 12, 2021 at 10:20 pm

      Thank you x

      Reply
  25. Charlotte Birchall says

    May 14, 2021 at 10:31 am

    Love this post. I thoroughly enjoy reading about stress. This is some great information in this post. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 14, 2021 at 10:38 am

      Thank you <3

      Reply
  26. Fashion Styles says

    May 19, 2021 at 12:01 pm

    My partner and I stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to finding out about your web page yet again.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 20, 2021 at 8:09 am

      Aw, thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  27. KAYSWELL says

    May 20, 2021 at 6:10 pm

    Hi, i think that i saw you visited my site so i came to 搑eturn the favor?I’m trying to find things to enhance my website!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 21, 2021 at 12:13 pm

      If you are going to take my ideas, credit me & put into your own words.

      Reply
  28. Mind Beauty Simplicity says

    July 27, 2021 at 7:17 pm

    for someone who tends to get stressed easily – this post was great as a way to know it’s a common feeling. i always try to have a few self care days to combat those stressful situations. and my stress can tie with anxiety as well which makes it worse.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      July 28, 2021 at 8:22 pm

      Me too, thank you for reading xx

      Reply

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Welcome to Enviroline Blog. I’m Caroline and I am currently in my second year at Bournemouth University studying Environmental Science.

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