Take advantage of the WellNS programs available. We all have too much stress in our lives. You can start to lower that bad stress today.
We have several resources available to you in WellNS. Take a stress survey, enroll in health coaching and hear about some practical tips to lower your stress both at work and at home.
You may not be able to ‘control’ your stress, but you can learn how to cope with the stress placed into your daily life.
Take your pick, go for it. WellNS has something to offer for you.
Manage Stress
Stress can be a real killer
Untreated, stress can cause a host of health concerns. For people who have heart problems, in particular, acute stress can trigger an abnormal heartbeat and even a heart attack.
What is stress?
When you arre stressed, your body responds as though you’re in danger. It makes hormones that speed up your heart, make you breather faster, and give you a burst of energy. Some stress is normal and even useful – it can help if you need to work hard or react quickly. But, if stress happens too often or lasts too long, it can become dangerous to your health.
Effects of stress
Tension is often the first signal of stress. Tense muscles are tight and feel hard to the touch. A tense mind makes you feel jumpy, irritable, and unable to concentrate. These feelings could be your signal to do something about stress, both for your immediate comfort and to prevent the long-term effects of stress.
Do you have too much stress?
If you feel the following, you may be under too much stress.
- Rapid heartbeat
- Headache
- Stiff neck-and/or tight shoulders
- Backache
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating and sweaty palms
- Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea
You also may notice signs of stress in your thinking, behavior, or mood. You may:
- Become irritable and intolerant of even minor disturbances
- Feel irritated or frustrated, and lose your temper easily
- Feel grumpy or exhausted often
- Find it hard to concentrate or focus on tasks
- Worry too much about insignificant things
- Doubt your ability to do things
- Imagine negative, worrisome, or terrifying scenes
- Feel you are missing opportunities because you cannot act quickly
How you can reduce your stress
Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get started. Try a walk for a break during the day when you feel stressed.
Write
One way to use writing to deal with stress is to keep a stress journal. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you identify the sources of stress in your life so that you can find better ways to cope with them.
Let your feelings out
Discussing how you feel with friends, family, or a counselor is an important way of coping with stress. Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when you need to.
Do something you enjoy
A hobby can help you relax. Volunteer work or work that helps others can also be a great stress reliever.
Learn ways to relax your body
This can include breathing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, massage, aromatherapy, yoga, or tai chi.
Practice “being in the moment”
Try meditation, imagery exercises, or self-hypnosis. Listen to relaxing music.
Laugh
Try to look for the humor in life. When you’re stressed, laughter really can be the best medicine