Have you been feeling stressed lately? If you answered, “yes”, you are not alone. Stress is so prevalent in our society that April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month. Everyone experiences stress at times. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association (2014), 75% of Americans report experiencing at least one symptom of stress in the past month. Some common symptoms include feeling irritable/angry, fatigued, overwhelmed, having a lack of interest/motivation, and being depressed/sad. Fortunately, not all stress is bad as it can motivate us to prepare for situations, such as a job interview or important presentation. Stress can even save your life when in danger. However, chronic stress can result in serious health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease. It can also negatively affect your relationships both at home and in the workplace. Parents of children 18 and under, women, and younger generations (Millennials and Gen Xers) are especially prone to stress.
The good news is there are healthy ways to prevent stress. Here are 10 ways to prevent stress:
Get enough sleep every night
Eat well-balanced meals
Exercise regularly
Avoid recreational drugs and drink alcohol in moderation
Create balance in your life between “work” and “play”
Engage in hobbies/activities you enjoy regularly
Set realistic goals for yourself and create a plan to accomplish them
Build a strong support system
Know your limits and don’t be afraid to say “no”
Have a positive attitude
Unfortunately, even when we try our best to prevent stress, situations in our life, often beyond our control, may cause us stress. Here are 10 healthy ways you can manage stress:
Take deep breathes
Meditate or do yoga
Engage in physical exercise
Utilize your support system
Express yourself through writing, music, or art
Listen to music
Distract yourself by doing something fun
Laugh
Enjoy nature/outdoors
Put your problems in perspective and think positive
If you are experiencing chronic stress that is affecting your physical and mental health, it may be time to seek professional help. You can call us at 215-491-7570 to schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians.
Reference:
American Psychological Association (2014). Stress in America: Paying with our health. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2014/stress-report.pdf.
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