Stress is an automatic, instinctual response by the body and
brain to help us respond to any demand, commonly called a 'stressor.' The brain
is triggered to release hormones that increase some bodily systems
(circulatory) and repress others (immune, digestion) to enhance our ability to
respond successfully. Stress is normal and affects everyone. Not all stress is
bad, but long-term stress can be debilitating and can cause and/or aggravate
health problems.
Since stress is a normal part of human existence (nobody is
immune to it), it is important to arm ourselves with knowledge so that we
recognize when stress rears its ugly head. (Amazingly, we don't always notice
it's happening to us.) Stress Awareness Month happens each April. Learning to
cope with our stress and finding healthy ways to deal with these situations can
go a long way in living a healthy and positive life.
Effecting More than Just Your Mind
Stress does not merely afflict our minds; it can also affect
us on a cellular level. Long-term stress can prove to be more than just a
mental issue. From headaches to stomach disorders to depression - even very
serious issues like stroke and heart disease can manifest from uncontrolled
stress. When we are placed in a stressful situation, specific stress hormones
rush into our bloodstream leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure
and glucose levels. This is helpful in emergency situations but having this
"rush" for extended periods of time can be dangerous and make us susceptible to
the issues mentioned previously. Understanding the mind/stress/health
connection can help us better manage stress and improve our health and
well-being.
Learn to Overcome Issues You Can Not Change
Sometimes the stress in our lives is not something we have
any power to change - it is during these times that it is vital to change our
approach to situations. Try to…
- Recognize when you don't have control, and let it go.
- Avoid getting anxious about situations that you cannot change.
- Take control of your reactions and focus your mind on something that makes you feel calm and in control.
- Develop a vision for healthy living, wellness, and personal growth, and set realistic goals to help you realize your vision.
Tips for Coping with Stress
Too many of us are missing out on life due to stress, but
there are steps you can take to manage stress and its negative effects. You
cannot eliminate or change stress, but you can change how you react to it. Some
ideas on how to fight stress are to:
- Stay Positive: Every day, as often as possible, think about and be grateful for all of the amazingly wonderful things in your life: a comforting love, a good job, or a great vacation. Practice gratitude for the things you take for granted, like a roof over your head, food in your fridge, or modern medicine. Enjoy the small stuff: coffee already made when you get to work; the first robin of spring; a funny cloud that makes you laugh.
- Meditate: When you are feeling stressed, take time throughout your day to do some deep breathing and relax. Try to clear your mind, rid yourself of all negative thoughts, and breathe in positive energy. Practice mindfulness, being aware of your surroundings, other people, and what you do and say. Try journaling thoughts and events to help you understand their significance, learn from them, and then let them go.
- Make Healthy Choices: You do not need to join a gym and work out 2 hours a day to stay active. Take a daily walk...or 2...or 3. Adopt a healthy way of eating, avoiding refined sugars and carbs and processed foods. Fight stress by sticking to a diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Lastly, give your body the time it needs to recover by getting adequate rest.
- Try a Social Detox: Unplug from the world. Put down the devices, and better yet, turn them off completely. Try to go as long as possible without looking at social media, texting, tweeting, or using any electronic communication or entertainment. Enjoy the beauty of the present.
- Enjoy Stress Relievers: What do you like to do that will make you relax? Read a book, listen to music, paint, draw, sing, dance. Relax in a warm bath and indulge in some aromatherapy. Increase circulation and reduce stress hormones with some massage therapy. Whatever brings you contentment and peace, include it in each day.
These tips can help you learn how to overcome stress, but
at Summit Medical Group, we understand that sometimes these things just
aren't enough. Stress often leads to serious problems with both mental and
physical health, so addressing your stress levels with a primary care physician
is vital to identifying your individual stressors and creating a wellness plan to
minimize the negative effects it can have on your overall health. Contact
us today at 800-289-9545 to find a primary care provider neat you or visit
our website for more information.
Together, we can make a difference.