Why bother talking about stress? Well, managing it is pretty important for your overall health. That’s why. When the body gets stressed, it activates the fight-or-flight response of your nervous system. This can be very useful if you’re trying to hit an important deadline or react to an emergency. But when the stress reaction happens too often – it can lead to all sorts of health concerns like stomach issues, heart problems, poor sleep, and a weakened immune system.
Don’t stress about it though — with some guidance and practice, you can learn to navigate your stress and feel relaxed as you move through life! (And we want that for you.)
Understand your stress (and minimize it)
What's causing the stress in your life? Is it a demanding job? Your morning commute? Or just the constant barrage of bad news on social media? Try listing your biggest sources of stress throughout the day using a stress log, a mood tracker, or journal (as suggested by Mental Health America (opens in new tab)). Then, see if you notice any patterns.
Also, think about how you might reduce some of these stress-inducing situations. Can you avoid traffic by leaving 10 minutes earlier or later? Would it help to discuss a stressful work environment with your boss or a colleague? Be constructive and creative. The less stress you encounter in your day, the more relaxed and healthier you’ll feel. We promise.
Not all stressors can be avoided or reduced, so it’s important to learn to manage your stress. Below are some suggestions from the National Alliance on Mental Illness to manage stress in a positive way. These tools will help you bounce back from stressful situations quickly.