woman and dog meditating

Stress affects everyone; how you handle stress and finding successful solutions to coping with it are very important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The American Institute of stress says the most common explanation of stress is physical, mental, or emotional strain. Stress can lead to health problems like:

  • + Feeling overwhelmed
  • + Headaches, stomach issues, depression.
  • + Major health issues like a stroke or a heart problem.

Many people experience stress caused by factors outside of our control. Some ways to deal with external factors are:

  • + Try to avoid getting anxious about situations that you can’t control
  • + Focus on something that calms you down and makes you feel in control
  • + Set realistic goals based around decisions that you can control

Like we mentioned earlier, coping with stress is the most important factor to help you deal with it in a healthy manner. The CDC lists a few options for healthy ways to deal with stress:

  • + Practice Self-care: eating healthy, exercising, and getting adequate sleep are the most important pieces of self-care. It is also important to take breaks if the stress is beginning to mount.
  • + Share: talk to others about your problems & feelings, whether it be a parent, friend, counselor, doctor; anyone you trust!
  • + Avoid drugs and alcohol: These may seem to help, but they can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.
  • + Take a break: If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed, take a break. Your brain needs rest just like your muscles do!
  • + Recognize when you need more help. If you think you need an expert’s assistance with your stress, talk to a psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor.

For more tips on handling stress, check out this Forbes.com article on “Micro-breaks”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2021/04/03/10-microchillers-to-de-stress-during-national-stress-awareness-month/?sh=2a1854141671

First Bank reminds you to try and stay active, practice self-care, and always be willing to talk to others about your problems (or their own). Stress can sometimes be overwhelming, but with healthy techniques, you can handle it!