Managing Your Stress For Better Physical & Mental Health

This article came into existence because I have experienced the havoc stress puts on the well being of a person's mind, body, and soul. From my own experience as well as my mom's, I had the task of making funeral arrangements for my grandmother I took care of for the past three years to saving my mother from a diabetic coma two weeks later is enough to make you go into overdrive and shut down.  So let's define this thing we call stress. In medical terms, it is defined as a physical, mental, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension. We all go through stress. As a matter of fact, stress can be good. It causes us to go into action and make things happen. It propels us forward. Whether its our relationships (family/friends), career, or just the fact that we are our own worse critic. We know there's something not quite right, yet we continue about our day as if everything is fine. We don't talk to anyone because we want to show how strong we are. We got our life together (you know the superwoman/superman syndrome). But modern day life can compound stress where we become overwhelmed and become stuck.These stresses in our daily lives can press us to the point of "fight or flight". 

This is when stress becomes a problem. Guess what? It's not going away, so why not address your problems and deal with them with a proactive approach (note to self).When the symptoms of stress raises it's head, we may not realize that just maybe the reason. Ever wonder why that headache never really goes away? Just can't seem to keep your focus at work or at home? Skin breaking out? Stomach problems? These are just a few of the many things that we physically go through. Stress affects our body, thoughts, and our behavior. Unchecked, stress can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. If you are not sure or you have tried some stress management tools and it's not alleviating your symptoms, I encourage you to be an active player of your health. Talk with your primary health care doctor. Discuss your health concerns with the doctor. He/she can help you detect the common symptoms of stress. This will give you the upper hand on managing your stress.  

Let's take a look at the common effects of stress on our body, mood and behavior.

Body	Mood	Behavior
Headache	Anxiety	Overeating
Muscle Pain	Restlessness	Under Eating
Chest Pain	Anger	Angry Outburst
Fatigue	Irritability	Drug/Alcohol Abuse

Pinpoint what stresses you. Take action and get tips on how to manage your stress before it has a negative impact on your health, relationships and your quality of life. Don't be the person who always tell people how to and you don't follow that same advice you know who you are (another note to self smiling).

   Finding ways to cope with stress that works shouldn't be a strenuous task. What works for one person, could have no effect on another. So look at your options. Talk with your doctor and discuss what's out there. The health benefits are well worth it. Don't delay find out what works for you and your body, mind, and soul will thank you for it.

• Exercise - is a great way to relieve stress. It's good for you physically and mentally. Side effects are a stronger and fit body (I like that!!!) Start of with something simple like walking. Try some of the things you enjoyed as a kid. Examples: skating, bicycling, jump rope, swimming, etc. You don't have to start off at a gym to get the benefits of exercise. It's time to feel the euphoria you had as a kid doing these activities. Try it out.
• Yoga - is a mind-body practice that merges stretching exercises, controlled breathing and relaxation. There are many styles of yoga. Hatha yoga  is beneficial to stress management. It's all about preference. Look into it and see what works for you. 
• Let it show - your feelings that is!! We all need someone to talk to. Laugh, cry, vent, talk it out with someone you can trust. Nothing worse than to share your most inner thoughts and you get ridiculed and treated like something is wrong with you.
• Meditation - most of us think of spirituality. And that's a good thing. It keeps us calm, and focused. The benefits compliments are emotional well-being. We focus on the present. Increase are self awareness (no more pity parties)!!! Not so quick to have negative thoughts. Our stress coping skills improve.

These are just a few ways to cope with stress in your life. When starting an exercise (yoga too) regimen always consult with your your doctor before you proceed.You don't want to cause any problems or injury to yourself. Your doctor has a wealth of information for you to manage your stress.Don't let stress control your life. Take action. You owe it to yourself to be the best you! We always take care of others, find the time to take care of self. You can't do anything for anyone, if you are not at your best.

Warmly,
Chundra