Lowering Your Stress
Everyone experiences stress, but it shouldn’t interfere with daily activities or make caring for yourself challenging. In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, this is the best time to learn about stress, related health concerns, and healthy ways to manage stress.
What Is Stress?
Stress is the body’s natural response to change or threats. It can cause mental tension and worry, but it’s generally a harmless way to get your body to respond to potential friction in your life. Once you address the stressor or thing that triggered your stress, the stress goes away.
Some people experience chronic stress, which is when their body is in a state of stress more often than not or doesn’t relax once they address the stressor. Chronic stress may also cause physical and mental symptoms, such as body aches, insomnia, and trouble concentrating. Long-term effects of chronic stress can also include anxiety, depression, heart disease, weight gain, and memory problems.
Stress Management Tips
Whether you’re feeling moderate or chronic stress, it’s important to find ways to manage your stress to reduce symptoms and decrease your risk of long-term concerns.
Exercise
Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress when feeling overwhelmed. Exercising reduces stress hormones, specifically cortisol and adrenaline. It also encourages the production and release of endorphins. You don’t need a high-intensity workout to gain benefits from stress relief. Something as simple as a walk, bike ride, or yoga can help to reduce and manage stress.
Meditation
Meditation is an ancient mind-body practice used to relax your body and mind. Many types of meditation incorporate deep breathing techniques that can help regulate your nervous system. If you’re new to meditation, there are many online videos and apps that you can use for guided meditation.
Therapy
If you’re experiencing chronic stress, it may be a symptom of a more serious mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. Speaking with a trained mental health professional, such as a licensed therapist, can help identify potential concerns. Therapists are also excellent at recommending personalized stress management tactics unique to you and your stress triggers.
Set Expectations
Setting expectations is more about preventing stress. Whatever the situation, whether you’re going to a social gathering, starting a new hobby, or having a conversation with family, set realistic expectations for yourself on what you want to achieve. Having these expectations can help you feel in control and reduce unwanted stress.
How Visiting Angels Can Reduce Stress
Life is stressful, but it’s not something you have to navigate on your own. Working with a Visiting Angels caregiver can help relieve some daily stress by assisting you with nonmedical tasks like light housekeeping, cooking, transportation, and medication reminders. Caregivers are also happy to be your accountability buddy for workouts or assist in setting boundaries to keep you at peace.
Our Gadsden office works with seniors and their families throughout Blount, Marshall, and Etowah counties. Contact us today to learn how our at-home care services can help you on your journey to a low-stress life.