“Stress could easily become our next public health crisis.”
(Photo: Flickr/CollegeDegrees360)
So says the CEO of the American Psychological Association (APA), Norman Anderson. In fact, stress is a constant factor in everyday life, and 77% of American adults regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress, according to an APA survey.
Common signs of chronic stress
April is National Stress Awareness Month, and Dr. Jennifer Hanes, a physician on JustAnswer, offered a few specific warning signs that you might have chronic stress:
- You wake up without feel refreshed
- You feel sluggish during much of the day
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Frequent moodiness, notable sadness, or quickness to anger
- Skin irritations or lackluster hair
Quick steps that help lower stress
The physical health effects of stress can be especially dangerous for your heart. The American Heart Association (AHA) has posted these “emergency stress stoppers” that can help you in the moment you encounter a stressful situation:
- Count to 10 before you speak.
- Take three to five deep breaths.
- Walk away from the stressful situation, and say you’ll handle it later.
- Go for a walk.
- Don’t be afraid to say “I’m sorry” if you make a mistake.
- Set your watch five to 10 minutes ahead to avoid the stress of being late.
- Break down big problems into smaller parts. For example, answer one letter or phone call per day, instead of dealing with everything at once.
- Drive in the slow lane or avoid busy roads to help you stay calm while driving.
- Smell a rose, hug a loved one or smile at your neighbor.
For more helpful tips, visit this article at the AHA website.
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