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How to Identify and Effectively Handle Stress In Your Life

According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), 75% of Americans reported experiencing at least one symptom of stress. As common and harmless as it may sound, stress can have serious consequences on your overall health and well-being. It can affect you emotionally, physically, and mentally.

The APA identifies three different types of stress:

Acute

This is the most common form of stress. Its symptoms include: emotional distress, tension headaches, stomach problems, rapid heartbeat, and sweaty palms.

Episodic Acute

Symptoms include: persistent tension headaches, migraines, hypertension, chest pain, and heart disease.

Chronic

Symptoms include: Anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.

While there may not be a way to prevent stress, there are healthy ways to manage it. Here are 7 steps you can take to reduce your stress levels:

• Make time for yourself
• Meditate
• Exercise
• Eat a healthy diet
• Adopt a hobby
• Get enough sleep
• Ask for support from those around you

Talk to your doctor to find the right treatment for you.

Seek immediate help if you experience thoughts of suicide. Call the 24/7 toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1-800-273-8255.

Sources:

http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-kinds.aspx

http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/chronic-stress.aspx

http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2007/10/stress-tips.aspx

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-race-good-health/201212/4-healthy-ways-cope-stress

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2017/state-nation.pdf

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/