So many of us have been affected by the challenges of these uncertain times. Because our lives are increasingly jam-packed with obligations, such as school, work, and raising kids, it can seem like a stress-free day is impossible. We are finding more and more each day, that people are experiencing compassion fatigue, which is a normal consequence of caring. So many of us are overwhelmed and spread too thin, overloaded with information and emotions. Our goal is to empower people with the knowledge and tools to manage their own stress; to help them recognize and identify the things that trigger their stress response; and to take action before it does them harm.
Empower yourself with the ability to identify how stress is effecting your healthy and happiness by knowing the symptoms of stress and gain the strategies to mitigate the effects of stress on your body. Check out the image included in the post for symptoms of stress to watch out for.
Know the Facts:
77 percent of people experience stress that affects their physical health.
73 percent of people have stress that impacts their mental health.
48 percent of people have trouble sleeping because of stress.
Negative effects of stress can manifest in so many different ways. Weight gain can be just one symptom of chronic stress, which left unmanaged can lead to serious health concerns. Over time, continued strain on your body from stress may contribute to serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, lung ailments, arthritis and other illnesses, including mental disorders such as depression or anxiety, which can lead to increased accidents, addiction, and even suicide.
Studies claim 120,000 people die every year as a direct result of stress.
These studies also note that stress is the basic cause of more than 60 percent of all human illness and disease.
Thus, there is no question that stress has become one the most serious health issues of the 20th century and a worldwide epidemic.
52% of people say financial issues regularly stress them out, which is well above 35 percent who cited jobs and careers as the next most common stressor.
Studied reveal that most of us care for others before we take care of ourselves, and we internalize stress rather than find healthy ways to relieve it. Women especially have this tendency and are most vulnerable to the negative effects of unmanaged stress.
What’s causing your stress to negatively effect you?
But what's really contributing to your declining health is your neglect of yourself. Make self care a priority, so those around you no longer gets just what's left of you. It’s not selfish to invest in your health, so that you can be present today and tomorrow. Don’t forget to take care of YOU. Never settle and don't go through life on autopilot, letting life pass you by! Given all the negative effects long-term stress can have on your health, it’s worth making stress relief and self care a priority. The people that can learn to manage stress, lead happier, healthier lives. Here are some tips to help you keep stress at bay.
Keep a positive attitude, practice gratitude.
Accept that there are events that you cannot control.
Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, defensive, or passive.
Learn and practice relaxation techniques; try meditation, yoga, or Tai-Chi
Breathe deeply for at least two minutes. Focus on your breaths.
Listen to something calming and distracting (music, audiobook) unrelated to whatever is stressing you out.
Practice healthy motion regularly (even if only 10 minutes) even just stretching.
Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Your body can fight stress better when it has what it needs.
Learn to manage your time more effectively. Schedule your priorities, rather than prioritizing just what's on your schedule.
Set limits appropriately and learn to say no to requests that would create excessive stress in your life.
Cuddle (with a lover, friend or even a pet)– physical touch is comforting.
Detach from the source of stress (excuse yourself from a meeting, take a break from a project, remove yourself from an argument) for a five-minute break (Drink a glass of water).
Use lavender or geranium essential oil (both lower blood pressure.)
Sit in the sun (outside) for five minutes.
Paint a picture, draw, color, etc.
Talk to a friend for ten minutes, even if just to hear about his or her life (Change the focus off the stressor).
Spend time grooming (nails, bath, hair.)
Make time for hobbies, interests, and relaxation.
Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
Don't rely on alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviors to reduce stress.
Seek out social support. Spend enough time with those you enjoy (Even is only virtually).
Seek guidance from professional trained in stress management techniques to learn healthy ways of dealing with the stress in your life.
Thus, our mission is to not only guide you to improving your physical health but also create a healthy mindset and healthy finances, so you can be truly present in life to enjoy what matters most to you.
If stress is getting in the way of your health and happiness, or being overweight is impacting you or someone you love, let’s setup a time to connect on ways you can help achieve balance, improve your health and create the life you desire.
Take a FREE Well-Being Assessment to determine what areas to focus on first.