Combating stress can help heart health
This week we talk about another heavy hitter, stress. Not all stress is bad. Our fight or flight response is triggered by stress, and it is what has kept the human species around all of these years.
However, stress is subjective, and is dependent on the person experiencing it. People can experience stress differently and can also respond differently to it as well. What may be stressful for me, may not phase someone else. While it is generally acceptable for people to feel stressed when something negative happens, it is important to remember that “happy” life events like promotions, marriage, birth of a child, can also lead to stress.
Some things that stress can lead to is an increase in bad habits like overeating, smoking, or drinking. Stress can also rear its ugly head in the form of physical issues, such as body aches, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, sleep issues, fatigue and more. Prolonged stress may lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure, inflammation, and a reduced blood flow to the heart.
Psychologically stress can cause fatigue, forgetfulness, mood changes, and may lead to depression. Here we go again with my favorite part, what can we DO about it.
• Learn what your stress triggers are, and reduce or manage them.
• Learn to cope with your stress. Make a list of things you can and cannot change and focus on the things you can. If you cannot say that a problem will matter in 5 years, don’t give it more than 5 minutes of your time.
• Consult your physician or counselor. Medications are not always the answer, but they may help if your stress is causing you anxiety or depression.
• Participate in self-care activities like exercising, meditation, and setting aside time for hobbies you enjoy.
• Maintain a positive attitude. You can do this by starting a gratitude journal, diary, and prayer.
• Spend time with family and friends. Maintaining social connections is a great way to ward off depression, and if we can spend time with others who may be going through the same things as us, it creates stronger bonds and decreases feelings of isolation.
Remember, you are NOT alone. Everything can be figured out. If your stress is leading to anxiety or depression and you are having thoughts of suicide or selfharm, please utilize these resources: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988; Hopeline Text: 741741; 24 Hour AODA & Mental Health Crisis Line: (715) 743-3400, (800) 863-3560.
