How to cope with stress and the pressure to provide

The MIND 24-7 Team | April 5, 2024

Stress in adults.

The demand to provide can feel overwhelming. Time never seems sufficient, bills accumulate, and both family and work obligations continue to expand. These factors often result in stress.

Your entire wellbeing is affected when you live with excessive stress. Stress negatively impacts not only your general physical and mental health but also your emotional stability. It limits your capacity to think clearly, take effective action, and find happiness in life. This can lead to a mental health crisis in your life.

Stress with kids and adolescents

Stress in children is a common concern and can greatly affect their overall well-being. It’s important for parents and caregivers to recognize signs of stress in children and provide support to help them manage it effectively. Identifying the sources of stress in your child’s life, such as academic pressure, peer dynamics, family conflicts, or changes in routine, is crucial for addressing the issue.

Children may not always express their feelings of stress verbally. Look out for signs such as changes in behavior, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches, and avoidance of certain activities.

Make some changes.

Both adults and children can experience greater happiness, health, and productivity through effective stress management techniques. Achieving a well-rounded life that encompasses work, school, family, and leisure is the ultimate objective. However, it’s important to recognize that stress management isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. You may need to tailor your approach to suit your individual lifestyle and capabilities.

Here are some practical tips for effective stress management:

1. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for self-care activities like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular exercise. Taking care of your physical health can have a significant impact on your mental well-being.

2. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Integrate mindfulness methods into your daily schedule to alleviate stress and enhance your ability to stay focused on the present. Engaging in meditation or yoga can be helpful in fostering mindfulness and encouraging relaxation. Encourage your child or teenager to participate in these activities to help them cope with their difficulties.

3. Set Realistic Goals and Prioritize Tasks: Break down your responsibilities into actionable steps and set realistic goals for yourself. By prioritizing tasks and creating a clear plan of action, you can prevent feeling overwhelmed and better manage your workload.

4. Seek Emotional Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family members, or a mental health professional for emotional support. Talking about your feelings and concerns with a supportive listener can provide valuable perspective and help alleviate stress. With children, encourage open communication. Create a safe and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings and concerns. Listen actively and validate their emotions.

5. Effective Coping Methods: When responsibilities become overwhelming, think about assigning tasks to others or teaming up with colleagues or family members. Sharing the workload can ease the pressure and foster a sense of collective responsibility. Educate your child about healthy coping techniques to handle stress, like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, physical activity, creative pursuits (like drawing or writing), and relaxation methods.

6. Make Time for Regular Breaks and Relaxation: Schedule breaks throughout your day to allow yourself time to rest and unwind. Participate in activities that help you relax, such as going for a walk, listening to music, practicing deep breathing, or enjoying a hobby. Spending quality time with your family can also be beneficial for everyone’s well-being.

7. Develop Healthy Coping Techniques: Discover positive methods to deal with stress, like writing in a journal, expressing gratitude, immersing yourself in nature, or pursuing creative activities. Cultivating these constructive coping mechanisms can improve your ability to handle stress over time.

Remember that everyone’s stress management techniques may vary, so it’s important to explore different strategies and find what works best for you. Prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being is key to managing pressure and maintaining a healthy balance in your life. For your children, by being attentive, supportive, and proactive, you can help your child navigate stress and develop healthy coping skills for the future.

At MIND 24-7, we believe that everyone deserves a place where they feel comfortable and supported. We are committed to being that stress-free place. We offer walk-in treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns, including youth services, focused on depression, anxiety and a range of other challenges. We are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. All adults and youth are welcome. We accept private insurance, Medicare, and AHCCCS. If you or a loved one needs mental health care, visit one of our convenient locations in the Phoenix area or text/call 1-844-MIND247.