Alaska Sleep Education Center

Common Life Stressors And How To Handle Them

Stress can come in many forms, whether as a mental breakdown or a lethargic feeling towards life. It can be so well hidden that it goes unnoticed for years. To identify it, you will need to observe the signs. Some of your body’s ways to announce stress are digestive problems, mood swings, and headaches. If you want to manage stress, you will need to identify the things that are causing it. That said, here are common stress triggers in your life, and learn practical ways to deal with them. 

  1. Work-related problems

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Whether you work a 9-5 job or you are a full-time entrepreneur, work-related issues can bring stress into your life. The constant challenge to meet deadlines and operate your business can cause you to start spiraling if you don’t take some time to relax. Sometimes, it could be your stakeholders or a delay from your distributors. The first way to manage your stress is to take your paid days off seriously. Take time to rest when you are given the opportunity. You can also find ways to work efficiently so you don’t stay behind to meet your work quota. Though it is great to be a competent and helpful employee or colleague, consider being realistic about the workload you can accept, and don’t be afraid to say no. If you are a business owner, avoid falling into the habit of doing everything by yourself. Instead, delegate tasks to your team.

  1. Lack of sleep

An unhealthy sleep pattern can be detrimental to your health. Surviving a few hours of sleep might seem ok at first, but it can accumulate into a bigger issue. One of the effects of a lack of sleep is stress. Going through your daily motions with little sleep can make you cranky, tired, and less focused. To fix this, consider setting a sleep schedule and try to get 7-9 hours of sleep. If you have a sleep disorder, see a professional who can help you solve the issue. You can also explore natural methods like meditation before bed or take supplements like moringa for a good night’s rest.

  1. Health issues

Poor health issues can be mentally, emotionally, and physically draining. Whether it is a short or chronic illness, being in pain is an uncomfortable experience that can affect your sleep, mood, and other aspects of your life. If you have been feeling anxious about your condition, take a breath and devise a way to reduce stress in your life. It would be helpful to lean on the support of your family and friends. Spend time with them to uplift your mood and ask them to help you handle the tasks that you can’t do. Facing a decline in health can bring up a lot of negative feelings, which can emotionally stress you. Talk to a therapist who will help you work through your emotions and give you the support you require. 

  1. Financial problems

Money is important for your day-to-day comfort; sometimes, a lack of it can put you on edge. Dealing with financial stress can be tough due to the feeling of constant helplessness you might be feeling. However, dwelling on it can cause insomnia and mess with your appetite, leading to eating disorders. It can also cause panic attacks and leave you depressed. To deal with this, talk to a loved one you trust or a financial advisor who can help you get back on your feet. You can educate yourself on personal finance and keep track of your spending habits. If you have debt, pay it off so you can take yourself out of the vicious financial hole. Draw a budget and stick to it. You can also level up your skills so you can earn more money.

  1. Relocation

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Relocation stress can be caused by many factors, such as moving to another country or a retirement home. When you are used to spending time with family, you can feel anxious about separating from them to a new location. If you are going to live across the world, the planning and moving can also leave you overwhelmed. To cope, focus on the positive aspects of the move. While packing up, consider taking breaks to rest so you don’t break down. It would be helpful to keep a to-do or checklist so you can stay organized. You can also hire a moving company or ask your friends and family to help so you can reduce the pressure.

By recognizing your triggers you can plan your routines carefully to manage stress. Hopefully, the tips above can help you live a calm life. 

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Alaska Sleep Clinic's Blog

Our weekly updated blog aims to provide you with answers and information to all of your sleeping questions.

Brent Fisher, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE
President and Chief Executive Officer

“Alaska Sleep Clinic has a history of providing the most comprehensive sleep medicine services in the state of Alaska. Its potential has only begun. I am here to take these high-quality, comprehensive services to all Alaskans.”

Experience

Brent Fisher has held leadership positions spanning a wide variety of complex and start-up organizations: manufacturing (pharmaceutical & medical device), software development, hospitals (academic and community), medical groups, consulting, hospice, military, engineered devices, engineered plastics, and private equity.

Publications and Organizations

His writings have been published in various magazines, trade journals, and medical journals, including the Physician Executive Journal, Healthcare Executive, Modern Healthcare, Group Practice Journal, New England Journal of Medicine, and Journal of Healthcare Management (Best Article Award).

He has served on the Board of Directors of professional associations, civic organizations, and businesses.

Hobbies and Activities

Brent enjoys being with his family, serving in the community, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.