Did you know stress is one of the top ten determinants of health
disparities according to the World Health Organization. While
stress may be something we cant avoid it can be something we
can control.
WHAT IS STRESS?
Stress is a perceived or actual threat to a person's livelihood.
Stress affects each of us every day and while
some of us rise to the occasion, others experience the
physiological, psychological, and spiritual effects. How we cope
with stress can determine the current and future state of our
health and well-being.
HOW DOES STRESS EFFECT THE BODY?
Chronic stress can affect your body in many ways. Some effects include:
Increase risk of stroke
Insomnia or fatigue
Anxiousness
Irritability
Poor ability to focus
Headaches or migranes
Mild to moderate depression
Chronic pain
Gastrointestinal disorders
Skin problems
Loss of sexual desire
Weakened immune.
STRESS RELIEF IS POSSIBLE
Creating a stress management plan can help control chronic
stress and can improve quality of life. Not sure where to start?
Here are some practices to help manage and reduce stress.
Dancing or exercise can help relieve anxiety, depression and
improve muscle strength. Even if its just 5 minutes of dancing
silly. Let your body feel the music and let it take the mental
anguish away.
Yoga and meditation is helpful with cultivating self-love, body
awareness, relieve anxiety, improve ability to focus and
promotes sleep. Start your day with 5- 10 minutes of
uninterrupted meditation to prepare you for the day that lies
ahead. You can also start your day with a couple minutes of
stretching to prevent aches and pains.
Minimize social media and electronic use. Believe it or not there
is a such thing as being overstimulated. Constantly being on
social media or video games can contribute to
insomnia.
Lastly music has always been a practice backed by science that
can help with healing. The sound of music can improve the
recovery of motor and cognitive function in stroke patients,
reduce symptoms of depression in patients suffering from
dementia, even helping patients undergoing surgery to
experience less pain and heal faster.
Stress is apart of living but dont let it control you. Its time to take control of your own mental and physical well-being. Your mind matters and you are too blessed to be stressed.