Stress Management

The American Psychological Association reports that a majority of Americans — a troubling 76% — experience adverse physical and mental effects due to stress. The mental health specialists at Avighna Holistic Care in Raleigh, North Carolina, provide stress management services as part of their integrative approach to care. To get relief from out-of-control stress and the way it impacts your daily life, call the practice or schedule an appointment online today.

How does stress management fit into integrative care?

Integrative care treats the whole person (mind, body, and spirit) by combining different therapies and approaches to address the root cause of what’s keeping you from thriving. Since stress can wreak havoc on every aspect of your health  —physical and mental— stress management is a key component of well-being.

Would I benefit from stress management?

While some stress is a part of life, there are signs that your stress is impacting your health. Call Avighna Holistic Care if you experience:

• Anxiety, panic attacks, or depression
• Stomach issues
• High blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Headaches

Feeling compelled to seek harmful coping mechanisms, such as abusing substances or developing eating disorders (either under- or overeating), can also indicate it’s time to seek help.

What can I expect from a stress management plan?

Your provider at Avighna Holistic Care starts with a thorough assessment, listening to your concerns. Discuss what triggers your stress and the coping mechanisms you’ve tried.

Your personalized stress management plan may include:

Healthy habits

Establish a regular sleep schedule and relaxing bedtime routine. This may be easier if you limit caffeine and alcohol as a part of establishing a diet that fosters your well-being.

Social support

Maintaining healthy relationships and getting social support can help when you feel overwhelmed.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help you challenge negative thought patterns, learn to accept difficult feelings, and focus on values-driven actions. Your provider may recommend individual or group therapy.

Time management techniques

The team can help you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively to reduce feeling time-pressured or frantic. They can also help you adjust how you set goals to ensure they’re realistic and manageable.

Medication

Depending on your needs, the team may recommend medication to help you manage anxiety or other symptoms of stress. 

How can I increase the effectiveness of my stress management program?

Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as walking, running, or sports, can release endorphins and ease your stress. You can also practice relaxation techniques, such as:

• Diaphragmatic breathing to calm the nervous system
• Progressive muscle relaxation to reduce tension in your body
• Mindfulness techniques

The team evaluates your progress and adjusts your treatment plan as needed to ensure you get the most effective care. To get relief from out-of-control stress, call Avighna Holistic Care or book your appointment online today.