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