Taking Control of Your Stress for Better Health

By Donna Stark 

Did you know that April is National Stress Awareness Month? Well, since it is, I thought it would be a good idea to chat about the stress in our lives and how we can better manage it. After all, stress is something that everyone experiences, but unfortunately, many people don't know how to deal with it productively. It doesn't really matter where the negative stress stems from either because most types of stress will generally have the same negative impact on your mental and physical health. By taking the time to recognize your stressors though, and following specific strategies to tackle them head-on, your overall health and well-being will improve. Let's take a look at a few suggestions below.

Find 'You' Time

You work hard during the week! Running around trying to solve everyone else's problems while juggling your own is exhausting. Sometimes the only thing you need is some well-deserved time to yourself. Creating a space and time just for you is a great way to relieve your stress. One way to start enjoying your time alone is to do the things you love doing. Engaging in things you enjoy such as reading a book, gardening, or even watching that new TV series is important for your mental health.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is the body's recovery period. It is when the body repairs, rejuvenates, and rests. With a healthy amount of sleep, your body is able to respond better to the problems you face throughout the day. If you are feeling especially anxious or stressed and are hoping to get a better night's sleep, try exercising earlier in the day, take a hot shower or warm bath before bed, and ditch the screens towards the end of your night.

Exercise

Exercise decreases levels of cortisol, the body's stress hormone, and increases the levels of endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators and pain reducers. In other words, it takes away the bad and brings in the good. On top of that, it's a great way to release those pent-up feelings of anger and frustration. Have you ever made a punching bag feel sorry it met you? You may want to give it a try!

Socialize

Isolation can be a huge contributing factor to the amount of stress you face every day. By enjoying and spending time in other people's company though, your body will increase the production of hormones that decreases anxiety levels. Socializing and talking with loved ones is an effective way to manage stress and can also help boost your mood and lower your risk of depression.

Don't Stress About It!

Your mental health is one of the most important aspects of your general well-being, so why don't you start taking the necessary steps to prioritize the management of your stress? You may be surprised at how much of a difference it makes in your life!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Prosper, Tex.