Stress is a normal part of life. It cannot be avoided, but it can be managed. You need to be able to recognize signs of stress and handle them before stress becomes a problem.
Stress can cause you to have physical symptoms like a headache or neck and back pain. It can also aect your sense of well being and cause you to have one or more of the following problems:
trouble sleeping
irritability
low energy
change in appetite (eating too much or not enough)
depression
anxiety
The good news is that there are things you can do to lessen the amount of stress that you feel.
Get plenty of sleep
Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. When you are tired, your problems may seem harder to handle and cause more stress. Getting enough rest also lowers your chances of getting sick.
Find a source of support
Talking to someone who can help you cope with your feelings can lessen your stress. You can also talk to your provider.
RELAX
Build time into your day to just relax. Try deep breathing, yoga, meditation, or massage. Find a hobby that you enjoy.
Keep a journal
Sometimes it is hard to talk about your feelings. Writing them down is a great way to get them out so that they don’t continue to stay on your mind.
Be active
Physical activity loosens tight muscles and can make you feel better.
Set limits
Don’t be afraid to say no to things that will take more of your time and energy.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating well helps keep your mind and body healthy and strong.
Plan ahead
Make a list of problems that could happen, and think about how you will handle them.
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