Stress is a natural part of life. Everyone experiences stress from time to time. However not all stress is bad. Stress hormones trigger your body’s “fight or flight” response, your heart races, your breath quickens, and your muscles tense ready for action. This can be positive in small doses, help you accomplish tasks, meet deadlines or keep you alert and prevent you from getting hurt.
But when the stress response keeps firing, day after day it can take a toll on your health. Chronic stress may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it. Stress may actually be the culprit for that nagging headache, your frequent insomnia or decreased productivity at work.
The Effect of Stress on your Health
Our bodies can handle small doses of stress. But we are not equipped to handle long-term, chronic stress without health problems.
Things you can Do
What matters most is how you handle stress. People who learn to keep stress at bay lead happier, healthier lives. Here are some tips to help you unwind, de-stress, and get back in control of your emotional state.
- Keep a positive attitude: and accept that there are events you can’t control.
- Figure out the source of your stress: and try to minimize these sources as much as possible.
- Take time out: before you reach your breaking point, take time out for relaxation, away from your worries to nurture yourself. Find time for inner strength and emotional healing.
- Talk it out: if your stress level is too high, talk to a friend, family member, or therapist. Expressing your feelings is crucial to your emotional health.
- Set priorities: don’t hesitate to say “no” before you take on too many commitments. Setting limits can help you manage your stress and regain control over your life.
- Try exhaling: and deep breathing can make a stressful moment diminish in intensity.
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Get enough sleep and rest. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
- Exercise regularly: your body can cope with stress better when it is fit. Exercise increases the secretion of endorphins, naturally produced substances in the brain that induce feelings of peacefulness.