News Taffy

Sooner or later, we all experience stress in our lives. It may stem from a job, or lack there of, an illness or the death of a loved one. Whatever it’s source, stress can have a crippling effect on your health. You probably realize that stress causes headaches, stiff necks, aching shoulders and leads to sleepless nights or an upset stomach. You may not realize that stress can also cause heart attacks, raise blood pressure, bring on a panic attack, worsen asthma symptoms and weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to colds and other viruses.

Stress can leave you tired, unable to focus, irritable and depressed, thus affecting your work and ability to make decisions. With all these potential side effects, you must find a way to relieve your stress to prevent serious health problems from developing.

When stress is work related, it is important to find ways to relieve your stress before or after working hours. A good exercise program will get rid of tension, relax your muscles and help your heart function. Pets are another excellent way to unwind. Take your dog for a walk or play a game of fetch. Just sitting with your cat in your lap can be relaxing as well.

Talking with an understanding friend or family member may make you feel better but a licensed therapist or your minister may be better able to help you work through your problems in a non biased way. Don’t isolate yourself from others unless you just need a couple of hours to yourself.

While work may be a source of stress, it can also be a relief from stress. Sometimes being busy at work can take our mind off personal problems. Even if you are just doing housework or chores outside, work can give you a break from worry.

A change of scenery can perk up a bad day. Go for a drive, eat out or even take a day trip out of town, just make sure its not someplace you go all the time. New faces and places will give you something different to think about, even if just for a little while.

Indulge in your hobbies. I know someone who works on an elaborate train system set up in his basement. He has built the table, the mountains, the houses, done the wiring and laid the track. For him, it is a great escape from everyday worries.

Take up yoga, meditate, get a massage, soak in a hot tub or learning breathing exercises. Yoga and meditation are proven to relieve stress while breathing exercises can be done anytime you need to regain a calm demeanor. Massages and hot tubs are also excellent ways to let go of tension.

Whatever method or combination of techniques you chose, take stress relief seriously. Don’t turn to drugs or alcohol regularly to control stress as that can lead to another set of problems in the long run. Stress may be a sign that it is time to end a bad relationship or find a new job as well.