Stress is something all Americans deal with and too much stress can put individuals at risk of developing serious health conditions like depression, heart attacks and other disease.
According to the CDC– besides the emotional tension that surrounds stressful events such as fear, anxiety, and sadness– stress can create sleep problems, headaches, back pains, stomach issues as well as trouble concentrating. Stress-related diseases are heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, fibromyalgia, gum disease, diabetes and gastrointestinal problems. Studies have shown that stress may even worsen Alzheimer’s disease.
“It is crucial that all Americans understand that stress is not something to be taken lightly,” said Daniel Touizer, CEO and founder of Cinergy Health. “We want everyone to know how to prevent stress, as well as treat their symptoms, especially since long-term stress can cause very serious diseases.”
While unhealthy foods, alcohol and drugs may temporarily relieve stress, they frequently cause serious medical problems down the road. Rather, eating well and exercising are both habits that can help cut back on stress. Deep breathing can provide relief during stressful times, and keeping a log of these experiences may be helpful in the future. This may enable individuals to recognize and take action against the sources of their stress. Creating structure and routine in your life can help handle the unexpected and create a more constructive framework for stress.
Avoid the physical and financial burden of stress by finding ways to reduce stress. Here are a few ideas:
- Reading a book, sleeping and visiting friends, can all help reduce levels of tension
- Learning to meditate can have lasting positive effects on your health
- Therapeutic massages can help your body heals from muscle pain
- Taking a bath or walk can help diffuse stress and restore energy
- Lavender oil massaged into temples can relieve the pain of headaches
- Eat dark chocolate
- Take up a hobby and schedule so many hours a week to painting classes or whatever takes your mind away from daily life stress
- Couchersizing during TV time can build muscles and can also help with stress according to Harvard Health