Stress Management for Wellness

“To laugh often and much: To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Life has become increasingly busy and stressful for most people. This stress can show up in a multitude of ways including insomnia, headaches, strange gastrointestinal symptoms that come and go, weight gain, fatigue, and even anxiety or depression. [1] If you have had persistent symptoms and seen a medical professional who has not been able to find a cause, the symptoms may be stress related.

It is important to try to manage your stress to avoid mental and physical health issues. When you have a new symptom, view it as a reminder to de-stress. While it is not always possible to get rid of stress, it is usually possible to reduce it by taking specific steps. Unfortunately, activities that we usually associate with ‘downtime’ - surfing the web or watching TV don't usually help you to decrease stress. Instead, try activities such as:

• Yoga

• Meditation

• Deep breathing

• Journaling

• Hobbies

• Reading for pleasure

• Exercise

• Laughing

• Socializing

• Spending time in nature

Seek professional help or counseling if you are unable to find a way to decrease the stress in your life - before it leads to burnout or more severe health issues.

1 - Seek medical attention from a healthcare provider about any severe or persistent symptoms or if you have any concerns.