Stress management
Stress can cause physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that can impact your quality of life. When stress becomes chronic, it can increase your risk of developing an illness. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 90% of doctor visits are related to stress symptoms or diseases linked to stress.
The good news is that stress can be managed, treated and reduced. No matter what’s causing your stress, our stress management experts can help you achieve stress relief through proven relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes.
What are the symptoms of stress?
Stress can cause a variety of unpleasant physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. However, these symptoms can be caused by a number of different health conditions – not just stress. Be sure to talk to your doctor if any of the following stress symptoms are chronic or severe.
Physical symptoms of stress can include:
- Diarrhea or Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue or Insomnia
- Frequent illness
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Hyperventilation
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Loss of interest in sex
- Muscle tension or pain
- Weight loss or weight gain
Emotional symptoms of stress can include:
- Confusion
- Crying
- Depression
- Feeling numb, cold, or uncaring
- Feelings of low self-esteem
- Hostility and combativeness
- Impatience or irritability
- Suspiciousness
- Worry or anxiety
Behavioral symptoms of stress can include:
- Absenteeism
- Alcohol, drug use, and smoking
- Fighting
- Focusing on insignificant minutia
- Inability to concentrate
- Indecisiveness
- Lack of motivation
- Low productivity
- Overeating
- Poor judgment
- Tapping feet or fingers
- Withdrawal
12 simple ways to manage stress
If stress is negatively impacting your life, there are steps you can take to find lasting stress relief. Here are 12 stress management techniques you can do on your own, or with the help of family, friends or a therapist:
- Maintain a healthy body weight (or lose weight if you’re overweight).
- Give up smoking, illicit drugs and excessive alcohol use.
- Eat three or more small, nutritious, low-fat, high-fiber meals each day.
- Make time for relationships with family and friends.
- Schedule time for yourself.
- Simplify your life – make the things that matter most your top priority, and don’t be afraid to tell others “no.”
- Pursue hobbies or take part in sports or social activities.
- Get enough sleep (most people need at least 7 hours per night).
- Share your responsibilities with family and friends, and get support if you start to feel overwhelmed.
- Resolve conflicts quickly and directly.
- Break goals into small, manageable steps instead of focusing on the “big picture.”
- Talk about your problems and feelings with a trusted friend or therapist.
Services for stress management
If you’re struggling with stress symptoms, or want to know which stress management techniques are best for you, our stress management experts can help.
We offer a variety of behavioral health resources to help you deal with stress. Our licensed therapists and counselors can help you create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the causes of stress while relieving stress symptoms and helping you manage stress in a healthier way..
To schedule an appointment with one of our professionals, call 414-773-4312.
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