Stressed to the Max

How many times have you thought “I’m stretched as far as I can go!” Stress can have negative effects on all of us: it causes the release of chemicals in the blood stream that affect our physical and mental health. Stress can lead to heart disease, a weakened immune system, problems with digestion, headaches, sleep problems, memory issues and depression. It can increase anxiety levels and makes living with a disability more difficult.

There are many life changes that can add to your stress levels: the death of a loved one, loss of a job, health changes, and allergies, just to name a few. Excessive stress can cause behavioral changes too. For example, excessive stress can lead to overeating for self-comfort. It can cause you to respond to normal problems with aggression and outbursts of anger in ways you would not normally do if you weren’t so stressed.

Even good stress can have a negative impact; things like getting married, reconciling with your partner, or getting a new job. Your body doesn’t recognize the difference between good stress or bad. Stress can lead to drug misuse or cause you to ignore self-care.

Monitor your stress levels and work at controlling stress whenever possible. Try taking steps to reduce exposure to the things that make you worry. These steps may help reduce your stress levels:

• Get regular physical activity on every day that you can. Find a way to move!
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi or massage.
• Participate in activities that make you laugh. Make an effort to have fun when you can!
• Spend time with family and friends that you enjoy, and give yourself permission to avoid toxic situations when necessary.
• Make time for hobbies. Take part in crafts, read a book, listen to relaxing music or go for a walk.
• Journaling about events in your life and how they make you feel can help you identify the things that cause you stress.
• Make sure you get enough sleep.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Avoid alcohol use and stop smoking.

Focus on finding better ways to manage your stress levels. Try to be more active to help work off some of the excess energy that comes with worrying. Managing your stress will help you feel better both physically and mentally.

If you would like additional information on the negative effects of stress and how to control it, call Disability Network Lakeshore at 616-396-5326.