What is the best way to reduce stress?
January 21, 2024 | 120,00 EUR | answered by Ben Koch
Dear doctor,
my name is Max Ziegler and I am reaching out to you because I am suffering from strong stress and looking for ways to reduce it. In recent weeks, I have increasingly felt overwhelmed and constantly tense. This not only affects my mood and concentration, but also my sleep and physical health.
I work in a demanding job that comes with a lot of responsibilities and deadlines. In addition, personal problems and worries are weighing on me. I can see that my body can no longer cope with the stress in the long run and it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to relax and find peace.
I have already tried various methods to reduce stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and breathing exercises. Unfortunately, these measures have only helped to a limited extent so far, and I am looking for further ways to alleviate my stress symptoms and better cope with stress in the long term.
Can you please give me advice on how to effectively reduce stress? Are there specific therapy options that you can recommend? What behaviors and habits should I change to improve my stress resilience? I would be very grateful for your expert support and guidance.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Max Ziegler
Dear Max Ziegler,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expert support. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing high levels of stress and are looking for ways to alleviate it. Stress can indeed be very burdensome and can affect various aspects of our lives, both physically and mentally.
It's good to hear that you have already tried various measures to reduce stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and breathing exercises. These are indeed very effective methods to reduce stress. However, it's important to note that not every method works equally well for everyone. Each individual is unique, and you may need different approaches to alleviate your stress symptoms.
One option you could consider is cognitive behavioral therapy. This form of therapy aims to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that can lead to stress. By working with a therapist, you can learn to develop new coping strategies and better deal with stressful situations.
Another therapy option that could help you is progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobson. This method involves the targeted tensing and relaxing of specific muscle groups to reduce physical tension. Regular practice can help reduce your stress symptoms and improve your relaxation skills.
In addition to therapeutic approaches, there are also behaviors and habits you can change in your daily life to improve your stress resilience. These include regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, regular breaks in your workday, time for relaxation and hobbies, as well as building a strong social network that provides you with emotional support.
It's important to give yourself time to try out different methods and figure out what works best for you in dealing with stress. If you feel like you're not making progress on your own, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A doctor or therapist can support you in alleviating your stress symptoms and better managing stress in the long term.
I wish you all the best on your journey towards more relaxation and well-being. If you have any further questions or need additional support, I am here to help.
Kind regards,
Ben Koch, General Practitioner
