Stress is a normal part of being human. When stress is relentless, though, it can wear on your body in a variety of ways. 

April is Stress Awareness Month in the United States. It is also Mental Health Awareness Month in America. Between the two observances, the focus is firmly on cognitive health and the impact that stress can have on how we think, feel, and manage life. Here are some important things to help understand stress, know when it’s an issue, and take steps to manage it.

The Difference Between Stress and Chronic Stress

There are many forms that stress can take. Some are traumatic or environmental. Others are psychological or episodic. In many cases, stress is what we call “acute,” meaning it is short-term. Your heart races, you get an adrenaline release, and you enter “fight-or-flight” mode. 

Often, acute stress is helpful. It can help you avoid being hit by a car or take an important situation seriously.

However, when the same stress continues over time, it becomes a problem. Prolonged or chronic stress can lead to a cumulative effect that can negatively impact your mental and physical state in multiple ways.

What Does Chronic Stress Do To Your Body?

Chronic stress can lead to several mental health concerns, including:

• Anxiety and depression

• Issues with memory

• An inability to focus well

• Poor quality sleep

It can also have an unwanted impact on our physical well-being, such as:

• Poor digestion and weight gain

• Headaches

• Cardiovascular risks (heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure)

• Muscle tension (and even pain)

  
  

Everyday Ideas for Stress Management

If you’re under pressure from chronic stress, it’s important to take steps learn how to manage stress. Like chronic pain, there are both physical and mental things you can do to help. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Exercise often: From walking to running to swimming and cycling, keep moving regularly to release endorphins and reduce tension buildup.

• Get consistent sleep: Make sure it’s high quality and at least seven hours a night.

• Eat balanced meals: General nutritional health is best in most cases. If you want to go a step further, focus on anti-inflammatory options. 

• Practice meditation: From prayer to sitting quietly to deep breathing exercises, find ways to release your body’s tension.

• Try progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and then release areas of your body in progression to regain a sense of control and relaxation. (Here’s a script you can try.)

• Maintain a positive mindset: Practice gratitude, reframe negative thinking, and use humor in moderation.

• Journal your thoughts: Don’t worry about quantity. Just stay consistent.

• Find friends and accountability: Set up social engagements and trusted partners who can help you process and manage stress.

  
  

Managing Chronic Stress 

Stress is a natural response. When it runs wild, though, it can create serious health concerns.

If your stress has become chronic, bring it to the attention of a primary care physician. A doctor, like our team at Abraham Family Medicine in Snellville, can help you gauge the severity of your situation and take appropriate steps to manage your stress on a daily basis.