Stress. It is America’s # 1 health problem and the leading contributor to sickness and other ailments. At home, work and beyond, we all experience stress from time to time and its true, some more than others for a variety of reasons. There are those that suffer from challenging circumstances in their daily lives and others who may experience it as a result of a major change or loss.

Stress is on the rise and it is real. Whether it arises from traffic commutes, deadlines, financial loss or our dearest mother-in-law, stress often creeps up remaining virtually unnoticed until our body speaks out.

There are techniques we can employ to help us deal with it better and therefore be healthier in mind and body.

First, we must identify the signs of stress. According to the American Institute of Stress, there are 50 signs and symptoms of stress ranging from frequent headaches, neck and back pain, teeth clenching, cold or sweaty hands and feet, rashes, heartburn, ulcers, irritability, insomnia, obsessive / compulsive behavior, loss of appetite, reduced sexual desire, the list goes on. More than just signs, they speak loud and clear of how stress has serious effects on your health.

Learning how to better cope with situations will help minimize stress, preserve your health and even slow the signs of aging caused by long term stress.

In order to begin the process to take back your life, start a stress journal which will help identify the stressors in your life. Each time you feel stressed, write it down. You will begin to identify patterns and common themes. Once identified, you can choose to better cope with stress improve your mind, body balance. Help Guide, a non-profit, outlines four Stress Management Strategies: Avoid, Alter, Adapt and Accept.

Stress Strategy: Avoid

• Learn how to simply say no.
• Avoid people that cause unnecessary stress.
• Take control of your environment, such as the news, crowded highways, etc.
• Avoid hot button topics
• Pare down your “To Do” list to the essentials

Stress Strategy: Alter the Situation

• Express your feelings instead of bottling them up
• Be willing to compromise
• Be more assertive
• Manage your time better

Stress Strategy: Adapt

• Reframe problems
• Look at the big picture
• Adjust your standards
• Focus on the positive

Stress Strategy: Accept

• You can’t control the uncontrollable
• Look for the positive
• Express your feelings
• Learn to forgive

September is National Self Improvement Month. Be sure to save time for yourself, loved ones, exercise, sleep and fun. You’ll feel big improvements in your body, health and spirit!

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