Mental stress: when the pressure grows from within

Do you feel stressed, empty or overwhelmed - for no clear reason? Then it could be that you suffer from Mental stress suffer. It is often invisible, but becomes a serious burden if it persists for a long time.

Whether through work, family, relationships or inner conflictsMental stress occurs when external demands and internal resources are permanently out of balance.

In this article you will find out:

• How psychological stress manifests itself (physically & emotionally)
• Which causes are particularly common
• How you can stabilize yourself

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What exactly is mental stress?

Mental stress describes a state of inner tension that is triggered by external or internal stressors. It not only affects people with challenging life situations, but can also affect meet everyonethat has too little compensation on a permanent basis.

Typical triggers:

• high workload or emotional responsibility
• Conflicts at work or in the private sphere
• constant functioning must
• Overload due to mental or emotional overstimulation

"Mental stress is not the result of weakness, but of continuous stress without regeneration." - Walter Hommelsheim, trainer at the Greator Life Coach

Symptoms: This is how psychological stress manifests itself

Mental stress is individual. Nevertheless, there are typical signs - both physical and psychological:

Physical symptoms

• Muscle tension, headaches
• Sleep disorders, in particular Brooding before going to sleep
• Gastrointestinal complaints, loss of appetite
• Increased blood pressure, palpitations
• Frequent infections due to a weakened immune system

Psychological symptoms

• Irritability, impatience, nervousness
• Lack of concentration
• Withdrawal, listlessness
• inner emptiness or loss of meaning
• Feelings of anxiety or Panic attacks

According to Robert Koch Institute (RKI) over 40 % of people in Germany regularly report stress-related psychological complaints.

Why many sufferers wait too long

Mental stress usually comes gradually. At first, we ignore the warning signs - or explain them away:

• "I have to get through this now."
• "Others have it even harder."
• "You'll be fine."

The problem: the longer you suppress symptoms, the greater the burden becomes. At some point, you will need massive energyin order to function at all.

Our Burnout test from Greator helps you to make an initial assessment - anonymously, free of charge, scientifically sound.

Three levels on which you can start

Mental stress doesn't just affect "the head" - it affects your entire system. That's why it's helpful to relieve stress on several levels at the same time:

1. emotional level: allowing feelings

Many of us have forgotten how to deal with unpleasant feelings to allow. But they are important signaling devices. What helps:

• Journaling: What do I feel - without judgment?
• Conversations with trusted people or a coach
• creative forms of expression such as music, painting or movement

2. mental level: creating clarity of thought

Thoughts can be a burden - or a relief. Mindfulness exercises, cognitive restructuring and mental Timeouts help:

• Breathing meditation
• "Thought-stopping" technique for brooding attacks
• Consciously reduce media consumption

According to Harvard Health Regular mental relaxation promotes emotional balance and measurably lowers stress hormones.

3. physical level: regulate the nervous system

The autonomic nervous system plays a central role in mental stress. The following methods help to balance it:

• Conscious breathing (e.g. 4 seconds on, 6 off)
• Regular exercise (e.g. walking, yoga)
• Plan islands of peace in your everyday life

In the video you will learn from Greator Life Coach Expert Christina Hommelsheim her 5 tips against stress.

When you need professional help

If you notice that your quality of life is suffering, you are withdrawn or constantly exhausted, it's time for support. The first steps can be

• Talk to your family doctor
• psychological counseling or Coaching
• Psychotherapy for underlying issues, if necessary

The Burnout test from Greator can give you guidance on where you currently stand - and what you need.

Conclusion: Mental stress is serious - but it can also be changed

You are not alone - and you don't have to "just keep on functioning". Mental stress is a signal from your system to pause, take notice of yourself again and explore new paths.

Instead of continuing to overwhelm yourself, you can start to focus on yourself again.