Are You Stressed Out?

Work, home, finances, and relationships, can all add up to cause significant stress. Although experiencing a moment of overwhelm from time to time is normal, people with consistently busy lifestyles should work to find ways to manage stress in order to stay physically and mentally healthy. Here are some tips on how to find balance in a season of stress.

Take breaks

With the pace of the modern world, things can often feel go, go, go, but that shouldn't be the norm. Humans need time to rest and recover. Even when time is limited, try to find moments during the day to take a small break. Stepping away from the computer, phone, and other responsibilities, even if only for a few minutes, can make a big difference. When possible, get outside where the added benefit of a dose of vitamin D from the sun can help improve mood.

Deep breath

Never underestimate the power of a deep breath. Research shows that breath control can help to quell the fight or flight response. By reserving that reaction for seriously stressful situations, deep breathing helps people to quickly calm the nervous system when faced with situations that aren't exactly life or death, such as a traffic jam or slight disagreement with a co-worker. Before engaging in breathing exercises, find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Put a hand on the belly and breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. Repeat as needed.

Exercise helps

File this under advice most individuals do not want to hear, but something that research has shown to be effective time and time again. Exercise works to lower stress. Heart-pumping activities, such as running, cycling, and swimming, increase blood flow and release endorphins. Low-impact workouts, such as yoga, Pilates, and tai chi, can promote strength and flexibility while calming the mind. A consistent workout can also lead to better sleep, which helps people feel mentally and physically prepared to handle stressors throughout the day.

When more help is needed

For many people experiencing minimal to moderate stress, strategies such as frequent breaks, deep breathing, and exercise can help. However, for some individuals, more support is needed. This is especially true when dealing with a high-stress situation such as a divorce or a death in the family. When stress levels are high, therapy is a potential avenue to explore. Trained professionals can help individuals better respond to stress by changing thoughts and behaviors. Sometimes, prescription medications may be added as an additional treatment, particularly when stress leads to anxiety, depression, or other more serious mental health concerns.

Manage stress effectively

Whether intermittent or constant, stress is a natural part of life. Learning how to manage stress can make a big difference in terms of overall mental and physical health. Without proper control, high-stress levels can lead to a weaker immune system, poor sleep, fatigue, an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, and irritability. With deep breathing, consistent exercise, and breaks, stress can be lowered and health outcomes improved.