Everyone experiences stress.
Sometimes it comes on quickly and is easy to overcome. Other times, it can be prolonged and have a serious impact on one’s life and family.
April – Stress Awareness Month – offers the opportunity to learn more about stress reduction strategies, and reminds everyone that it’s important to ask for help if needed.
“Each person experiences stress in a different way,” said SSM Health Dean Medical Group APNP Jamie Mowry. “Try to truly understand your own reactions to stress, and to learn what is best for your personal wellbeing.”
Stress is driven by cortisol, our body’s ‘fight or flight’ hormone. It is not good to remain continually stressed, as it can cause damaging emotional and physical reactions.
“Some people experience anxiety or depression, while others might feel low on energy or have nightmares,” Mowry said. “Stress can also worsen chronic health problems, and cause bothersome symptoms like increased headaches or stomach issues.”
The good news is that some simple strategies can help with managing stress.
Stress Management Ideas include:
- Taking breaks from known stressors (if they can’t be avoided). This could be as simple as turning off notifications on social media, for example.
- Focus on physical wellbeing. Do your best to eat healthy. Try to exercise. Feeling physically well will help you to overcome stress.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, or drinking. While these behaviors might provide temporary “relief” from stress, they only mask the problem and are destructive to long-term health.
- Allow your body to truly rest. It’s perfectly okay to have a “lazy night” or to let non-essential chores wait, especially if you are not feeling your best, emotionally or physically.
- Adjust your schedule to get at least 8 hours of quality sleep each night. Your body truly needs it. Your children may need even more than 8 hours to feel their best.
- Connect with others. Confide in those who you are closest with, share a laugh with your coworkers, or even start volunteering for an organization that appeals to you.
- Practice controlled breathing. Take deep breaths while brewing coffee in the morning or during your morning commute, for example. If you feel your body tensing, take a deep breath, and scrunch your shoulders up to your ears. Release on the exhale.
- Download a stress reduction or meditation app.
“Love yourself and take care of yourself – you’re worth it,” Mowry said.
Individuals who experience serious stress, anxiety, or depression, should reach out to their primary care provider for additional resources and to develop a self-care plan.
Anyone who feels they are in immediate crisis should call 911. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly called the Suicide Prevention Lifeline) is also available, as is an online chat at https://988lifeline.org/chat/.
Guest author: APNP, Jamie Mowry, SSM Health Dean Medical Group
