When stress and guilt dominate your daily life, it’s hard to feel in control or find joy. These emotions can sap your energy and leave you feeling drained and irritable, impacting your overall well-being.
“Feeling in control is a much happier place than not, so I hope that it will release me from the guilt/stress that I feel which then makes me grumpy. I also hope to feel less tired.” — Sarah, 42
Sarah’s struggle with feeling out of control, guilt, and stress resonates with many. These emotions not only affect your mood but can also drain your energy, leading to a perpetual cycle of exhaustion and irritability. Feeling stuck in this cycle makes every day a challenge, leaving you longing for relief and a return to a more balanced, happier state.
When guilt and stress become constant companions, they can lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, making it hard to find the motivation for even simple tasks. This lack of control often feels overwhelming and can severely impact your quality of life, making you feel trapped in a never-ending loop of dissatisfaction and low energy.
A common mistake people make when trying to overcome these feelings is to rely on quick fixes or temporary solutions. This might include sporadic attempts at stress management or trying to tackle fatigue with short-term remedies like caffeine or excessive sleep. While these approaches might offer temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying issues causing stress and fatigue.
Another mistake is focusing only on the symptoms rather than the root causes of guilt and stress. Without addressing the underlying factors, such as poor lifestyle habits, imbalanced nutrition, or inadequate self-care, it’s challenging to achieve lasting improvements in energy and emotional well-being.
Here’s The Important Stuff:
Stress and Guilt Impact on Energy: Chronic stress and guilt can significantly impact your physical health and energy levels. Research shows that high levels of stress can lead to fatigue and decreased energy due to the body’s prolonged activation of the stress response system . This constant state of alert can drain your resources and lead to feelings of exhaustion and irritability .
The Role of Control in Well-Being: Feeling a lack of control is linked to increased stress and reduced well-being. Studies indicate that having a sense of control over your life can improve emotional health and reduce stress levels . When individuals feel more in control, they experience less guilt and stress, leading to improved overall happiness and energy .
Effective Stress Management: Addressing stress and guilt requires a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, and effective stress management techniques. Research supports that strategies such as mindfulness, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity can help reduce stress and improve energy levels .
Here’s What To Do:
To move from feeling overwhelmed by stress and guilt to a place of control and increased energy, consider the following steps:
- Adopt a Holistic Approach: Embrace a well-rounded strategy that includes balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and effective stress management techniques. This approach can help you regain control and improve your overall well-being.
- Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care: Incorporate mindfulness practices and self-care routines into your daily life. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and journaling can help manage stress and reduce feelings of guilt.
- Establish Healthy Routines: Create a structured routine that includes regular sleep patterns, healthy meals, and consistent physical activity. Establishing healthy habits can improve your energy levels and overall sense of control.
- Seek Personalised Support: Consider working with a coach who can provide tailored guidance and support. A coach can help you develop a plan that addresses both your physical and emotional needs, leading to more effective and lasting changes.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break down your goals into manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. Setting realistic and achievable goals can help you build a sense of control and reduce stress.
If Sarah’s experience resonates with you and you’re ready to regain control, reduce stress, and boost your energy levels, I’m offering a free two-week coaching programme to help you get started. Reach out to discover how my deep health coaching can support you in creating a balanced and fulfilling life. Get coaching here.
References:
- Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., & Glaser, R. (2002). “Psychoneuroimmunology and the stress response.” In Stress: Concepts, Cognition, Emotion, and Behavior (pp. 437-444). Academic Press.
- Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). “Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis.” Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310-357.
- Finkelstein, E. A., & DiBonaventura, M. D. (2014). “The impact of weight loss and stress on the health-related quality of life.” Journal of Obesity, 2014, 1-8.
- Davis, M. C., Matthews, K. A., & Twamley, E. W. (1999). “The role of control in stress and its relationship to health outcomes.” Health Psychology, 18(1), 95-105.
This article addresses the deeper issues of control, stress, and fatigue while providing actionable steps to improve well-being. If you’re ready to regain control and enhance your energy, contact me for a free two-week coaching programme tailored to your unique needs.