Managing Stress in Our Personal Lives
By Stephen R. Farris
We all deal with stress in some fashion during our lives. Our stress can be triggered by numerous things, such as trying to meet deadlines at work, having to take the kids to school early in the mornings and waiting in the drop-off line, or each day we check the mailbox and all that's in it are stacks of monthly bills.
It's enough to make you want to scream and pull your hair out sometimes. Being stressed out too much on a regular basis can lead to undesirable health problems. Depression and anxiety kind of top the list, but more serious health conditions -- heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure -- could also factor in, especially if we don't eat right or get in a little exercise.
The good news is that you don't always have to deal with stress all by yourself. For instance, don't be afraid to shoulder some of the responsibility at work with fellow co-workers. Talk with your manager to see if they can help by providing solutions that can lessen your workload. There are many ways to reduce the amount of stress you have to deal with, and it may simply be a matter of sitting down and accessing what, where, and how it is affecting you.
Take a Break
On those days when stress seems to sneak up on you out of nowhere, step back and take a breath, try to relax and take a little 10- to 15-minute break. It might just be the thing you need to help you reach calmness so that you can deal with whatever the stress may be in a more rational manner.
Work It Out
After a long day at work, or chauffeuring the kids to school and evening activities, set aside some time to unwind. Exercise is one of the best therapies to help lower your stress levels. A casual 15-minute walk can help clear your mind, or any form of aerobic exercise such as yoga or tai chi for instance. Plus, it'll help your overall health as well.
Share
One of the best methods to implement during stressful times is to share your thoughts with a friend or a loved one. Just having someone available to listen to you is good mental therapy. And don't forget to return the favor when they are faced with stressful times. We all can use someone to talk or vent our problems to.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rockford, Ill.