Escaping Everyday Stress

Published on August 5, 2019

Stress is both a blessing and a curse. We need enough stress to motivate us to get out of bed in the morning and accomplish our goals. However, too much pressure can damage our mental and physical health. Finding balance with family, work and other relationships can be a challenge if you are exhausted from everyday responsibilities. The key to preventing and managing stress is to find balance physically, cognitively, socially and spiritually.

Physically

1. Sleep – Are you getting uninterrupted and restful sleep? Sleep is the time when we process thoughts and experiences that we have not had time to handle during the day.  We need to sleep to recover and restore our body and our mind.  Lack of sleep harms our immune system and leads to more agitation and stress during the day.  For more information on sleep please see this TEDtalk.

2. Exercise – Exercise releases endorphins and lessens stress, anxiety and depression. When we exercise, we increase blood flow through our body and brain which increases focus and cardiovascular health

3. Touch – Humans are social animals and require connection. Hugs release oxytocin, the love hormone.  Oxytocin lowers our blood pressure and provides a sense of well-being.

Cognitively

1. Stimulation – Is your mind being over or under stimulated? Sometimes people believe that watching TV or playing video games is relaxing.  However, your brain is still stimulated by the lights and the sounds.  You might be overstimulated if noise and screens are on frequently.  If this is the case, you can reduce stress by sitting in silence or practising mindfulness and meditation. If you are feeling under stimulated, you can set goals to learn something or meet a new

2. Challenge yourself – Is there something that you are curious or anxious about? If you are feeling anxious, face your fears in baby steps. If you are feeling complacent, push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Socially

1. Meaningful connections – Everyone has a different desire to be social. Some people are happy to have a few close friends, where others like to have a wider circle of acquaintances.  A healthy social network helps us to be more resilient.  When we feel appreciated and heard, our stress levels decrease.  Social isolation can lead to depression and anxiety.  If someone in your life is trying to isolate you, seek counselling.

2. Conflict – Conflict can be stressful and lead to other mental health concerns. If you are struggling with complicated relationships or conflict, a psychologist or other trained mental health professional can help.

Spiritually

1. Connecting – Spirituality is how we connect to ourselves and the universe. Some people find this through religion.  Others find it through meditation, mindfulness, yoga, dance, music and art.

2. Calming – Spirituality calms down our nervous system, thereby reducing stress.

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If you find yourself out of balance in these areas and would like help to reduce your stress, Dr Borschel is available for sessions.  Appointments can be made by calling +852 2521 4668 or emailing m.borschel@mindnlife.com

Photo by Holger Link on Unsplash


Category(s):Stress Management

Written by:

Dr Monica Borschel

Welcome! My passion is to help you find inner peace and emotional comfort within yourself and your relationships.

As social creatures, our relationships significantly shape our happiness, well-being, and sense of self-worth. Unfortunately, many of us have experienced relationship-related traumas, which can leave us with emotional scars that require recovery.

Attachment traumas, such as divorce, break-ups, infidelity, neglect, and abuse, can be challenging. As an expert in attachment, loss, and trauma, I have spent many years studying how attachment styles can shift with loss and trauma.

I have seen how healthy relationships can lead to secure attachment and how insecure attachment can create turmoil in our lives. I aim to guide you toward cultivating healthy relationships with yourself, your children, your co-parent, and your romantic partner.

I can help you develop new attachment strategies that will allow you to form deeper connections and bonds with those around you. And, if you have children, I can also assist you in establishing secure attachments with both parents, which can be especially helpful in cases of separation or divorce.

I am originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at The University of Utah. From there, I moved to New York City, earning my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. I then pursued my Doctorate in Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong. I lived and worked in Hong Kong as a practicing Clinical Psychologist from 2010-2020. I reside in California and am pursuing my Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) at California Southern University. My training and qualifications include certifications in Brainspotting and High Conflict Coaching.

These tools, combined with my extensive knowledge and experience in the field, enable me to offer you the guidance and support you need to recover from past traumas and build healthy relationships.

My approach to therapy is empathetic, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs. Every person can grow, and thrive. I am committed to helping you achieve your goals. So, whether you are struggling with relationship issues, divorce, abuse, attachment traumas, or other challenges, I am here to help you find the peace and comfort you deserve.

Email me at info@doctormonicaborschel.com or call the MindnLife Clinic at 852 2521 4668