Tips for Managing Stress

Last October I wrote an article for a client on the impact of stress to your health. Given the amount of stress generated from job loss, job search and income changes, I thought I’d share this updated version, which includes recent research and personal experience, in hopes of helping you manage your stress levels during this challenging time.

“Stressed out”? Don’t let life’s stressors affect your health
Excerpts Published 10/14/09 Bayonne Community News

Have you noticed how many of your friends, family, colleagues or neighbors are feeling “stressed out” because of the economy, job uncertainty, unemployment or finances? Stress is a normal part of life and is the result of any change, good or bad, to your routine or health. Prolonged stress, stress that isn’t addressed, can promote muscle tension which often turns into neck or back pain or can contribute to more serious physical and emotional illnesses.

Tips for Managing Stress

These helpful tips can help you control your stress level and promote better physical and emotional health.

1. Consult with a Health-Care Provider
• Get a medical checkup.
• Talk to your health-care provider (Medical or Chiropractor Doctor) to determine cause and appropriate treatment.
• Consider speaking to a counselor, psychologist, support group, or… follow lemonsin2lemonaide!!!

2. Exercise for prevention and maintenance
• Try swimming, it’s great for the back and helps reduce stress-induced pain.
• Stretch your body! Take breaks from your daily routine to stretch. For added results, look into a gentle form of yoga or learn some relaxation movements. Talk to your health-care provider about yoga or other stretching movements to ease stress and back pain.
• Start Walking, it’s an easy way to help your circulation and reduce stress.
• Enroll in an exercise program that’s just right for your size, momentum and interest level.

3. Relax and let your body heal
• Clear your head and do nothing for 5 minutes every day.
• Take frequent breaks from using your computer and try to keep good posture when sitting at your desk
• Use cold and hot compresses to help ease stress-related neck and back pain.
• Have a massage to work out the muscles and ease the pain.

4. Make good food and drink choices
• Eat smaller portions of healthier, non-processed, food.
• Relax and slow down-don’t rush through your meals. Enjoy your food and this time alone, with friends or family.
• Reduce or Eliminate caffeine-it promotes sleeplessness and can make you jittery.
• Limit your alcohol consumption as it can affect sleeping patterns or foster depression.

5. Take control over your life
• Create lists to keep track of your commitments. Try not to over-commit!
• Evaluate what’s bothering you, break the problems down and address each one head on in an order that works best for you.

6. Polish your skills to stay relevant to your job and industry
• Take advantage of free on-line webinars to keep your skills fresh.
• Join an association, as they offer great classes and helpful networking.
• Take classes, some states reimburse tuition for in-state colleges and universities. Check your local unemployment office for details.

7. Feed your soul!
• Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and increases your sense of self-worth.
• Spend more time with people you care about.
• Read books to keep your mind active and allow yourself some escapism.
• Try something new or pursue a dream.

Most importantly...Stay Balanced!

Try to offset life’s daily stressors by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and by seeking help from a health-care provider if you are experiencing any health-related illnesses.

Hope these tips have been helpful, let me know what you do to offset stress.

Paula

Next Week: Stress management-walking the walk and talking the talk.