Lower Your Stress, Improve Your Health
8/3/2022
PALMER – Everyone experiences stress, in our personal and work lives and in response to national and international crises. How it’s managed can impact the likelihood of developing serious health conditions, like high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia and stroke. Through healthy lifestyle habits, and sometimes professional help, you can reduce your daily stress, leading to better overall health.
Stress is the natural response to a perceived threat. When exposed to a stressor, the hormone cortisol is released, sending the body into “fight or flight.” While stress is a normal occurrence, it can become constant, negatively affecting everyday activities and leaving you more susceptible to chronic inflammation and life-altering diseases.
Marcus Thiemann, D.O., an internal medicine specialist with Mat-Su Medical Group, says it’s important to understand the underlying causes of stress and to take steps to manage stress to protect your long-term health.
“Chronic stress can take a major toll on the body,” Thiemann says. “Over time, stress can produce debilitating effects on your physical health and also impact your mental health.”
Recognizing the presence of stress in your life is the first step to taking corrective action, Thiemann says. “By being proactive and making a few conscience lifestyle changes, stress can be controlled, lowering the risk of chronic health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke and mental illness.”
Thiemann recommends five habits to help reduce stress:
- Exercise daily: The American Heart Association reports only 2.5 hours of moderate exercise a week can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and Alzheimer's.
- Eat healthy: Break the “stress eating” habit and adopt a balanced diet that includes vegetables and healthy fats. Try planning healthy meals ahead of time to avoid reaching for unhealthy snacks when hunger – or stress - strikes.
- Get enough sleep: For adults, experts recommend sleeping seven to nine hours a day.
- Practice self-care: Take time to relax and recharge through your favorite activities and mindfulness techniques like meditation.
- Ask for help: Unfortunately, stress can become overwhelming. Physicians and mental health professionals can provide you with tools to help manage stress and feel better.
“Reducing the impact of stress in your life is critical to good long-term health,” says Thiemann. “Given what we’ve collectively faced the past few years due to the pandemic, more people than ever are at risk of higher stress levels.”
In the U.S., 60% of adults admit to feeling stress every day according to a nationwide survey by Gallup. With so many Americans experiencing stress, it’s more important than ever to adopt healthy, stress-relieving habits.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Thiemann, call Mat-Su Medical Group at (907) 861-6700, or schedule online at https://www.matsumedicalgroup.com/doctors-providers.
Mat-Su Regional Medical Center offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox from a trusted medical source. Sign up at https://www.matsuregional.com/enewsletter-sign-up.
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