*Note from A Chronic Voice: Thank you to Kelsey, for sharing her personal tips on managing stress!
Chronic stress can have a severe impact on your health and wellbeing. Not only does stress take a toll on your mental health, but it can take a serious toll on your physical health as well. Realizing when you are stressed and taking the time to manage your stress can be beneficial for your sanity, your health, and your wellbeing.
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Why it is so important to manage your stress
Being stressed does not allow your body to function as it usually does. Often, when people are stressed, they cannot think as clearly as they would if they were not stressed. Stress defers people from living their lives to the fullest.
Everybody feels some sort of stress at some point in their lives. Usually, adults need to learn how to make time for their work, their friends and family, their relationships, and of course, themselves. When someone does not have any time to focus on themselves, they are bound to endure some stress. Managing stress can lead you to be calmer, happier, and more productive.
Common issues that can be caused or worsened by stress
When people are stressed, it is possible that they could be experiencing symptoms that they may not realize are caused by stress. For instance, if someone is suffering from a headache, they may not recognize that their headache is stress-induced. Because headaches are so common, people do not see the urgency in managing their stress. Headaches are just one of the common issues that come with stress; others include:
- Stomachaches
- Weight gain
- Heartburn
- Insomnia
- The common cold
- Anxiety or depression
- Tense muscles
- Erectile dysfunction
- Missed periods
- A low sex drive
Serious illnesses that can be caused or worsened by stress
While stress can cause common symptoms that affect our body’s health and wellbeing, it can also cause more severe illnesses that can forever impact our bodies. Managing stress is crucial in preventing your body from suffering from any of the following illnesses:
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Heart disease
- High blood sugar
- Stomach ulcers
- Cancer
- Circulatory problems
- Eating disorders
The best ways to manage your stress
Everybody manages their stress differently. You must find the best way that works for you to manage your stress. Some different ways that people manage stress are by relaxing, exercising, journaling or meditating, or even uniting with their friends or family.
Relaxing to manage stress
One of the best ways to manage your stress is by distracting yourself from what it is that is making you stressed. You can do this by saving yourself time to rest and relax. Take an hour out of your day to watch television, listen to a podcast, or even read a book.
Managing stress through exercise
Another way people manage their stress is by exercising and moving their bodies. Easy ways to get more exercise when stressed are going on walks, taking an exercise class, doing yoga, going to the gym, or going out dancing. While it can also relieve stress, exercising, and moving your body are beneficial for your health and wellbeing in general.
An independent senior living facility in NJ offers its seniors many physical ways to keep themselves busy and manage their stress. Seniors have the opportunity to control their stress with the use of fitness centers, personal trainers, tennis courts, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Using journaling and meditation as a stress reliever
When you use journaling and meditation to manage your stress, you give yourself an outlet to get rid of all of the anxious thoughts you may have. If you are someone who does not necessarily love opening up to others about their stress or their problems, journaling and meditation are the perfect ways to manage your stress on your terms.
Dealing with stress through building relationships
While some people prefer to manage their stress independently, other people would rather talk about their stress out with their friends and family. It can be very soothing for people dealing with extreme amounts of stress to talk it out and put it behind them.
There are many different ways to manage your stress; it is essential to deal with your stress in a way that works best for you. Controlling your stress will only be beneficial and lead to a happier and healthier life.
*Note: This article is meant for educational purposes and is based on the author’s personal experiences. It is not to be substituted for medical advice. Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding any new treatment protocols.
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