Life can certainly be challenging. Coping with everyday stress can seem overwhelming and cause feelings of sadness or anger, difficulty concentrating, and even physical symptoms such as trouble sleeping, headaches, and changes in appetite. Learning how to cope in healthy ways can make all the difference.
April is Stress Awareness Month, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has outlined eight healthy strategies to become more resilient to life’s stressors:
- Take breaks. This might mean staying away from social media, the news, and your phone and computer for a while.
- Develop some healthy habits!
- Eat healthy. Enjoy fruits and vegetables, lean protein and dairy, and high-fiber foods. Limit foods with unhealthy fats, salt, and added sugar.
- Get plenty of sleep, at least seven hours per night. Develop a sleeping routine.
- Find exercise that you will do and enjoy. Every little bit helps.
- Limit alcohol consumption. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation (one or less per day for women, two or less per day for men).
- Avoid taking illegal drugs or prescription drugs in ways other than prescribed. If you need help, recovery starts with asking.
- Quit or don’t start tobacco products. If you want to quit, try the Florida Quit Line at 1-877-u-can-now (1-877-822-6669) toll-free or call the Big Bend Area Health Education Center (Big Bend AHEC) for free classes online (850-224-1177).
- Continue with your regular health care appointments to include your screenings, tests, vaccines, and medications, even if you’re stressed.
- Take time for yourself. Do some activities you enjoy. Try meditation. Take some deep breaths. Stretch.
- Connect with other people. Connect in a group setting in your community or faith-based organization. Connect individually with people you trust. If you need mental health services, don’t be shy about reaching out.
Don’t let life’s challenges be overwhelming. Practice resiliency and get help if needed. For more information, go to https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/cope-with-stress.
Sourced By: Healthwise
Reviewed By: Capital Health Plan Physicians Group
Posted: April 3, 2024
2024-04-03 18:30:00