At the time of stress, you may notice your body responding in several ways, such as:
Changes in appetite
Increased use of alcohol, drugs and other substances
Lack of motivation and energy
Mood swings and mental health issues
Physical reactions, such as headaches, rashes or stomach problems
Sleeping issues
Trouble concentrating
Over time, the lack of sleep, substance use, dietary changes and increased mental health issues can put you at higher risk for chronic diseases.
Tips to reduce stress
Since stress affects you physically and mentally, it's critical to care for both your mind and body when attempting to reduce stress. The best way to decrease stress is to identify what's triggering it. Managing the cause can eliminate stress at the source.
Other ways to manage stress include:
Eat a healthy diet by focusing on whole foods and limiting processed food.
Engage in regular physical activity, which benefits your physical and mental health.
Limit substance use, such as alcohol and drugs.
Practice mindfulness through gratitude, breathwork or meditation.
Prioritize sleep by establishing a sleep routine and healthy sleep hygiene.
Reduce engagement with social media and news outlets.
Stay social and connected with friends and loved ones.
Everyone manages stress differently. Experiment with several stress-reducing options to figure out what works best for you
