Stress Management

This month we are dedicating our blog post to the topic of stress management. As women, we understand that we live with a constant undercurrent of stress in our lives. Pressure is constant, it seems, especially as our lives evolve. Interpersonal relationships, parenting, financial woes, work concerns, and other tensions will often create anxiety for us. How do we cope?

Stress can interfere with hormone balance. Our sleep can be interrupted, which is vital for our bodies to function. We can withdraw from others in our lives and make poorer decisions when we are unable to manage our stress. Research has shown that higher stress can lead to many different health concerns: cardiovascular problems, immune system weakness, digestive symptoms, even earlier death.

Stress is unavoidable. How we respond to stress can often be a choice that we make, but sometimes our response is biologic and out of our control. We cannot simply remove the stressful triggers in our lives, but how we react, respond, and live with pressure can improve our emotional and physical health.

All hope is not lost! Some simple changes can inspire us to make even bigger changes in our lives. First, categorizing our anxiety can help. Deciding what triggers are higher or lower in priority status can give us some sense of control over stressors. Making an action plan about things over which we have control is important. Consider what steps we CAN take and then take those steps! Is there a stress-inducing conversation you’ve been putting off? Is there a phone call you need to make? What about an appointment you’ve been avoiding? Take a deep breath and make that phone call, have that conversation, or go to that appointment. Deep breathing and distracting your mind in moments of stress are useful tools as well. Before you engage in an anxiety-producing activity, take ten deep breaths. Think about focusing your energy on something positive as you breathe in and out.

What about the stressors we cannot control? Deep breathing and distraction can help these situations as well. Exercising regularly helps the brain to distract and releases endorphins, which can produce feelings of relaxation and happiness. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants. If the heart is beating faster or you feel jittery, this can provoke deeper feelings of anxiety. Try to get adequate sleep each night. If your brain is not able to reset, your mind and body cannot function properly.

If your stress is not able to be managed and is affecting your life, your relationships, your work or your health, sometimes medications can be helpful. We also recommend talking with a therapist. At NP Women’s Health, we try and find the right fit for you, whether medications, referral to a therapist, or simply talking with us about your symptoms. Our goal is to help you live your very best life!