Managing Everyday Stress
Whether it 's work life, tense home life, financial worries, or otherwise, demands on us can result in stress. Although stress is a normal part of life, and a small amount of stress can be a good thing, too much can negatively impact our physical and mental wellbeing.
Symptoms of Stress
Stress wears down the body in ways you might not have even considered. Continued and prolonged stress can trigger a number of harmful behaviors and effects. Symptoms of stress include but are not limited to:
- Excess guilt
- Worry
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Difficulty making decisions
- Feeling overwhelmed or overworked
How Stress Affects the Body
Acute stress occurs when something happens suddenly, such as realizing that you 've overslept and will be late for an important work meeting. These events trigger a more rapid heart rate and intense contractions on the heart muscle via the release of stress hormones. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is constant. The prolonged increase in heart rate and levels of the stress hormone cause high blood pressure and put undue stress on your heart. Stress can also upset your digestive system and trigger depression in some people.
Managing Stress
There 's no one way to get rid of stress €“ or to keep it from coming back. It 's more important to learn how to effectively manage it so that you avoid constantly feeling stressed. Consider these tips on how to better manage stress:
- Think positively
- Take a walk or spend some time in nature
- Take at least 15 minutes to clear your mind and focus on your breath
- Do something that you enjoy
- Don 't be afraid to say sorry and own up to a mistake
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