Unfortunately, stress has become a common condition for many. When your body is exposed to stress, it actually prepares itself for fight or flight, a response dating back to the Stone Age when we were often in danger of attacks from wild animals. Our body reacts in a similar way today when we face pressure at home or work, gearing up to flee. When we constantly find ourselves in this state, stress can become dangerous, as the body is on high alert, prioritizing only the most essential bodily processes.
Many express feeling stressed, and it's understandable given the demands placed on us today, especially for families with young children. But what does it mean to be stressed? Do you feel, no matter how fast you run, that you never quite catch up? Do you experience symptoms like headaches, inner restlessness, palpitations, stomachaches, dizziness, sleep problems, increased consumption of coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs, outbursts of anger, easy tears, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, depression, emptiness, etc.? If so, you may be experiencing stress.
The first step is acknowledgment. It can be challenging to admit that you can't handle it anymore, especially if you have a belief that you should do it all no matter what. However, your health should not be compromised at any cost. And even if you don't believe it, the world will still keep turning even if you take a break for a while.
The next step is to take sick leave. It's essential that you take yourself seriously and bring calm to your entire system. When you're stressed, your body produces extra cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause long-term changes in your brain—your body is simply in a state of alert.
Once you've taken sick leave, allied with your doctor, and settled matters with your job, it's crucial that your closest ones know how best to support you.
I have been on sick leave due to stress twice in my life. The last time I experienced stress, it took a long time before I realized I couldn't perform anymore and that I had long surpassed my limits. I felt so bad, like a lion in a cage—cortisol and adrenaline were pumping through my veins, and I couldn't find peace. It was my children who made me aware of my condition, and only then did I realize the severity.
My best advice for you on sick leave due to stress
Get a weighted blanket, which can help calm your nervous system and alleviate any anxiety you may be experiencing. I highly recommend a device called Sensate, placed between your ribs and connected to an app that offers soothing music. Activating the device vibrates and stimulates the vagus nerve, which controls the parasympathetic nervous system, ensuring relaxation.
Learn deep breathing exercises, which also contribute to creating peace in your mind and entire nervous system. Make sure to go out and walk in nature. Nature is in balance and can help you find balance. Listen to calming guided meditations throughout the day and before bedtime.
Ensure you eat a healthy and nutritious diet—your body needs all the strength it can get.
Take warm baths. It's subjective, but for me, watching series on Netflix helped calm my racing thoughts. Finally, I recommend getting therapy where you can discuss your thoughts about your situation and gain tools for a balanced life, preventing future stress.
I'm here to support you through your situation in a loving and gentle space, where you're met by someone who understands what it's like to be stressed. I offer both talk therapy to lighten your heart and healing to calm your entire nervous system.
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