Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset in some way. It can be a real physical danger, such as a fire or just a daily upset of life like job stress or financial worry. By the end of this blog, you will have an understanding of what stress is and how to manage it.
Our body’s reaction to stress can have an effect on our health if not managed. In response to stress, your nervous system releases a flood of stress hormones, including two called adrenaline and cortisol. Your heart pounds, faster muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, and senses become sharper.
If you have a lot of responsibilities and worries, the more your body’s stress system is activated and the harder it is to shut off.
Chronic stress can have devastating effects on your health. Did you know that 90% of all diseases are caused or complicated by stress? Chronic stress can also have physical symptoms such as aches and pains, trouble sleeping and chest pains.
Easy tips to manage stress
These tips that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine to help manage stress:
- Movement can greatly slow your body’s response to stress. Regular aerobic exercise reduces levels of stress hormones in the body, as well as stimulates production of endorphins, which act as the body’s natural mood elevators. Just take a walk and do some simple stretches!
- Another way of reducing stress quickly is by using your senses. Look through your favorite photo album, smell a specific scent you love, listen to music, or hug a pet. All these simple activities can immediately help your stress levels decrease!
It is also important to cope with stress in your life, try to:
- Manage your time
- Prioritize important tasks and those that can wait
- Manage commitments
- Reduce procrastination
- Take time for fun activities such as gardening or spending time with friends
- Get enough rest or sleep. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep and not getting enough sleep can increase impatience and increase agitation.
While we cannot get rid of stress entirely, following these easy tips can help you manage it. For more info on how to deal with stress and other mental health issues check out Kick Stress & Anxiety To The Curb! If you have any tips on understanding and managing stress, leave a comment below!