Stress

Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. Stress is a normal part of every life and can be helpful to motivate us to do our best. When stress becomes overwhelming it can damage our mood and our emotions and it can have a bad effect on our health, including:

• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor judgment
• Anxious or racing thoughts
• Moodiness, irritability, or anger
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Loneliness and isolation
• Insomnia
• Aches and pains
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea, dizziness
• Chest pain, rapid heartbeat

Ways to manage stress:

• Make sleep a priority – getting enough sleep is important
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get regular physical activity – move more!
• Make an effort to be social – do not try to manage all alone
• Take a deep breath – learning breathing techniques or meditation can help
• Avoid alcohol or other drugs
• Get support
• Ask for help
• Anxiety and depression may require treatment

If your symptoms persist or become difficult to manage consult your primary care provider or a mental health professional.