Stress is like your body’s built-in alarm system, meant to help you respond quickly when something demands your attention.
While stress can motivate you to meet deadlines, solve problems and stay alert in demanding situations, it can also wear you down over time. If you feel like that alarm system is constantly going off, the good news is you can take simple steps to feel in control again.
As most of us have experienced, stress can cause headaches, muscle tension, irritability, trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating. Over time, unmanaged stress can lead to more serious problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, weakened immunity, anxiety and depression.
There are many sources of stress in today’s world. While you can’t always avoid your stress triggers, you can try to prevent them by creating a daily routine. Writing down everything you need to do and planning when exactly you’ll do it can help you stay more organized.
Be sure to schedule in times to do things you enjoy. Setting boundaries can also give you time back and prevent your to-do list from filling up.
When symptoms of stress do arise, try deep breathing, mindfulness and talking to supportive friends, family or mental health specialists to calm your mind and body.
Physical activity is also one of the most effective stress-busters, with immediate benefits, such as an improved mood and ability to focus. Try finding movement you enjoy, such as walking, dancing, biking or stretching, especially if you can do it outside in the fresh air.
Finally, don’t forget to prioritize your sleep. Those seven to nine hours of rest can give you the energy to tackle the next day’s stressors.
Learn more about stress management from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If your basic needs aren’t being met, you’re even more likely to deal with high stress levels. Dallas County’s Health Navigation program can connect you to resources to meet those needs. Call our office at 515-993-3750, or fill out an online referral to get connected.
Natalie Del Vecchio is the community health educator in the Dallas County Pubic Health Department.