Healthy ways to handle stress

Blog by Norma

​Stress is a part of our lives, and while we can not avoid it, we can handle it healthily. There are different kinds of stress. Acute stress is a response to a short-term stressor; it passes quickly and responds to coping techniques. Chronic stress can damage both mental and physical health; it occurs when stressors don't let up, and its roots can vary. 

WAYS TO DEAL WITH STRESS: 

• Try to Eliminate the Stressors: while we can't remove the stressors, we can reduce the stress we are feeling by changing the situation causing the stress.
• Cultivate Social Support: reach out to friends and family when you need support and give support when you can (tip: make sure your relationships are balanced and reciprocal)
• Good Nutrition: stress can impact appetite and cause fat and sugar cravings; therefore, make sure to eat a diet high in nutrients to protect your health and provide energy 
• Relax your muscles: stress causes muscles to tense, try practicing stretching, getting massages, or taking a warm bath to relax your muscles
  • progressive muscle relaxation: inhale and contract a muscle group for 5-10 seconds, exhale and release, relax for 10 seconds, and repeat with another muscle group 
• Mediate: mindful meditation can help reduce psychological stress 
• Sleep: stress can affect sleep schedules; try to maintain a consistent sleep routine and healthy sleep habits 
  • avoid caffeine and alcohol in the late afternoon or evening, limit screen time 
• Exercise: moderate physical activity can help reduce stress; even moving your body for 30 minutes on a brisk walk can help alleviate stress 
• Enjoy Nature: going outside or watching a nature video can speed recovery from stress and help refocus and calm the mind 
• CBT Therapy: one of the most research-supported treatments for stress and anxiety, works on reframing our thoughts around stressors and can help us manage our emotions 

As always, these are just some tips to help handle stress. If you find yourself struggling with chronic stress or find that these techniques are not helpful, reach out to a mental health provider.