BANGOR – We all go through stress, which is how our body reacts physically and emotionally to new or tough situations. This can happen when we have problems with work, school, health or relationships. Feeling stress is a normal way of coping and can help us feel confident about solving problems. But when stress lasts for a long time, called chronic stress, it can cause serious health problems.
“Chronic stress can cause a variety of negative effects on a person’s physical and mental well-being,” says Charmaine Patel, MD, medical director, Adult Inpatient Services at Northern Light Acadia Hospital. “Common reactions to chronic stress include feeling anxious, sad, frustrated, and hopeless.” She adds, “Stress can also cause changes in a person’s eating habits, energy levels, desires and in their ability to enjoy life.”
Additionally, stress can make it hard to focus and make decisions. It can also lead to bad dreams or trouble sleeping, as well as physical reactions such as headaches, body pains, stomach issues or skin rashes.
Chronic health problems and mental health conditions can become worse due to stress, and people may turn to increased use of alcohol, drugs, and other substances as a coping mechanism. Here are some tips to help manage stress in your life:
Care for your mind
Take breaks from news and social media. It’s good to stay informed, but too much negative information can be upsetting. Also, make time to relax. Breathing deeply, stretching, meditating and keeping a journal are all calming exercises. Finally, practice gratitude daily. Remind yourself of things you’re grateful for and write them down.
Connect with others
Talk to trusted people about your worries and feelings or consider joining a community or faith-based organizations.
Take care of your body
To improve your emotional well-being, start by getting enough sleep. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night. In addition, a healthy diet is essential. Include fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy in your meals, while limiting unhealthy fats, salt and added sugars. It’s also important to limit alcohol consumption, smoking, vaping and use of tobacco products.
Learning healthy coping skills can help reduce stress and small daily steps can make a big difference. Everyone handles stress in their way. Find what triggers your stress and try healthy techniques until you find what works for you. Learn more at northernlighthealth.org/behavioral.
