May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s also the celebration of Mother’s Day. In today’s age, women face increasing demands on their time from taking care of their families, juggling their career, to possibly caring for aging or unhealthy parents. This can create stress and anxiety which has a negative impact on a woman’s health.
Neighbors Emergency Center is dedicated to helping women reduce stress and live a healthier life. Some form of stress will always be there. Even though there is no way to avoid it, there are plenty of ways to manage it. Follow these tips to find time for you.
Reduce
1. Recognize the feeling. Don’t deny the feeling when stress starts to rise. Acknowledge it and accept it.
2. Know your body. Does stress first manifest with the tightening of your chest or an accelerated heartbeat? However it surfaces, a quick mental body scan can bring your mind back to the present and attempt to stop those physical alerts.
3. Remember to breathe. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths. This will help you feel calmer and clear your head.
4. Be kind to yourself. It is easy to blame ourselves for stressful feelings like anger, sadness, self-blame and doubt. Instead do something, even something small like listening to a song you really like, to help you feel better.
Stress-related Health Problems
Stress and anxiety can trigger specific health conditions such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. A Mayo Clinic report discusses how long-term exposure to high stress can take a toll on the body with increased risk to health problems. If not controlled, stress and anxiety can trigger:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Digestive problems
• Headaches
• Heart disease
• Sleep problems
• Weight gain
• Memory and concentration impairment
Stress Management
With so much research on stress and anxiety, doctors and patients have a clearer understanding of how and why symptoms occur. Our board-certified physicians will recommend exercise to help combat stress and anxiety. But what if exercise isn’t an option? There are ways to de-stress and decompress which can relieve tension and add quality and quantity to the life in front of you:
• Be with friends and family. Special people give you a sense of belonging and purpose.
• Write. Put thoughts down on paper or in a journal and experience a calmer mind.
• Get out. Time outside and fresh air can clear a head full of thoughts.
• Try meditation. The practice of deep breathing can reduce stress quickly.
• Make a necessary change. If possible delete the stress causing factors from your life.
All 22 Neighbors Emergency Center locations hope these tips help you, your mother and other special women in your life to live a healthier, more stress-free life. Because every woman deserves to be cared for.