Stress Awareness 101: How Stress Affects Your Health

Advice for Staying Healthy and Stress-Free

Throughout the year, we take time to share information on the effects of stress on both physical and mental health. People are encouraged to focus on wellbeing and self-care strategies, in addition to having open conversations regarding stress management with their loved ones and medical professionals.

It is important to utilize existing resources to aid in reducing the burden of stress while creating a supportive environment that fosters knowledge, support, and resources regarding mental wellbeing. That’s why McKenzie Health System is focused on promoting health and wellness options that allow patients to live more comfortable, stress-free lives.

To discuss stress-reducing strategies with a medical provider in further detail, contact McKenzie Health System today. Contact your family healthcare provider directly or, if you do not currently have a provider and would like assistance finding one, call 810-648-0610.

The Power of Mindfulness

The impacts of stress can lead to a variety of mental and physical concerns, including mental illness, headaches, fatigue, digestive problems, and cardiac issues. Reducing stress can make it easier to cope with difficult situations and regulate emotions better, leading to a more balanced life with improved emotional and physical outcomes.

Our providers encourage patients to take advantage of resources available for managing stress and recognizing how to healthily cope with daily challenges. When you are less stressed, you are able to think more clearly and face challenges with greater calmness and confidence. Stress reduction techniques and strategies can also help you better manage your time by keeping distractions in check and maintaining focus on important tasks during daily routines.

Mindfulness and other behavioral health-based practices allow patients to pause and reflect on their own mental health by understanding the physical and emotional effects that stress can have on wellbeing. When we de-stress, our bodies release endorphins, which create feelings of joy and contentment – leading to a greater sense of accomplishment and less tension in day-to-day living. Alleviating stress can also lead to better sleep, making it easier for you to maintain a healthier lifestyle all around.

Can Stress Management Help Prevent Certain Health Concerns?

As briefly touched upon above, long-term reduction of stress helps protect against numerous health conditions that stem from prolonged periods of chronic tension. By reducing your stress levels, you’re allowing your body a better advantage of warding off illnesses.

Stress places an excessive amount of pressure on the immune system, which can lead to frequent ailments. By managing your stress, you should also notice an improvement in immune system function. Furthermore, stress reduction leads to decreased susceptibility for unhealthy habit developments, such as substance abuse, smoking, or poor dieting choices.

Reduce Stress, Live Healthier – Tips for Letting Go of Tension

When lower levels of tension are present in your life, it creates space within yourself — allowing ideas and creativity to flow freely without feeling overwhelmed by outside pressures or environmental triggers that mitigate productivity. Consequently, this leads to higher levels of satisfaction and motivation with work, school, and personal projects alike.

Letting go of stress is beneficial for overall mental health, as it leaves less space for negative self-talk or irrational thoughts that stem from chronic worry or fear. Below are some tips we’ve compiled to help you relieve tension and find joy in daily life:

• Take time for yourself to do the activities you enjoy.
• Get plenty of rest so you’ll have adequate energy throughout the day.
• Practice relaxation exercises, such as yoga, mindfulness, and deep breathing.
• Connect with family and friends who can provide moral support during difficult times.
• Reach out to support groups and mental health professionals as necessary.
• Establish healthy eating habits that provide physical and emotional nourishment throughout the day.
• Exercise regularly to boost your mood naturally through endorphin release.
• Use aromatherapy to destress (scents like lavender or chamomile have been known to reduce anxiety levels).
• Make a list of small tasks each day that you can work on at your own pace.
• Set boundaries for yourself when you start to feel overwhelmed.

At McKenzie Health System, we want all our patients to live happy, fulfilling lives. To learn more about how you can ease stress from your life to improve your overall health and wellbeing, schedule an appointment at 810-648-0610 today.