There are many reasons why you may feel stressed easily, including regularly feeling pressure in your daily life. This may stem from:

  • experiencing work-related stress, such as a heavy work-load or unemployment
  • experiencing conflict in a relationship, such as with a partner, friend, or family member
  • living with a health condition or recovering from an injury
  • having financial difficulty
  • experiencing bereavement
  • having caring responsibilities for a loved one

Experiencing stress regularly can interfere with your daily life and affect your overall health. Understanding what may be triggering your stress can help you manage your levels and improve your overall well-being.

While stress is a natural response to life events and challenges, if you experience it regularly, it may be a sign of a mental health condition, such as anxiety. Here’s how you can tell the difference.

Stress is our body’s natural reaction to a challenge or life event. It is typically short-term and caused by an external trigger or threat. Once the trigger has stopped, stress will typically disappear.

Anxiety can occur as a reaction to stress and is often described as a persistent feeling of worry or dread. It tends to last longer and may occur even if there is no obvious cause.

There are many ways you can manage your stress levels, including:

  • Identifying your triggers: It can be helpful to begin by understanding what is triggering your stress and working to reduce or eliminate these stressors where possible.
  • Ensuring you’re getting enough sleep: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults get at least 7 hours of sleep each day.
  • Practicing mindfulness: Activities such as meditating and journalling can help to reduce stress levels.
  • Making time for the things you enjoy: Try to set aside time for your hobbies and relaxing activities.
  • Seeking support from loved ones: Consider opening up and sharing your worries with loved ones.
  • Getting enough exercise: The CDC recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.

If you regularly experience stress and are finding it difficult to manage your stress levels, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can work with you to put together a suitable treatment plan.