Stress Less

Calm down. Take it easy. Relax. Don’t stress. Easier said than done, especially lately.  Pandemic, economics, world politics. Just watching 3 minutes of the evening news is enough to make my blood pressure soar.  Stress is an ongoing factor in our everyday lives.  At times it’s overwhelming and other times, it is manageable. April is Stress Awareness Month.

Some amount of stress is normal, and even beneficial to us. The fight or flight response that kicks in instinctually among us is vital and the reason we exist and thrive.  It is the prolonged exposure to stress, and the mental and physical ramifications that stem from that, that are of concern.  Circumstances like working in an unhealthy (mentally or physically) environment, and being the long-term caregiver to a family member, are a few situations that create extended periods of stress that can wear on your body.  Managing these stresses is important.

So how can you manage long-term stress?

Take care of your physical self. Eat healthy, get more sleep, and exercise.

Take care of your mental health. Take time away from the stressor. Reach out to the community, groups, and organizations. Ask for help.

Don’t rely on alcohol, drugs, or substances to help reduce stress. This is an unhealthy coping mechanism and can exacerbate feelings of stress.

If one of your loved ones is in need of care, BoB HomeCare is available to support you and your family.