Managing Stress to Protect your Health

There is no two ways about it – stress is a common part of life.  Even the calmest among us experiences overwhelming stress at some point or another.  Although it may not be pleasant, feeling stressed lets us know when we need to take a step back and relax a little bit.  A little bit of stress is normal, but too much can have serious physical and mental ramifications.  Studies have proven that stress can actually manifest itself physically, leading to serious diseases and other complications.¹

There is no doubt that stress takes its toll on the lives of people from all walks of life.  Not only does stress cause diseases and mental issues,² but it can also worsen preexisting conditions.  Many people overlook just how important it is to just take some time to relax when necessary.  Simple daily activities like reading a book, taking a walk, or just doing anything that makes you happy, are not just pleasurable; they are necessary for your health!

For concentrated stress relief and relaxation, many people use products that have been created specifically for that purpose.  Sometimes it just is not practical to go for a jog or get a massage.  A simple product like a stress ball can actually have very real health benefits.  On those tough days at the office, you may be surprised how just sitting back and taking out your aggression squeezing a ball can help to alleviate the pressure in the mind.

One common cause of stress that is often overlooked is a poor night's sleep.  In order to function at maximum capacity, it is essential that you are getting the right amount of sleep.³ Tossing and turning all night will make it much more difficult to have a stress-free day.  There is nothing worse than having an important task to do, but not being able to focus because you are tired.  Using sleep aids may be helpful in some situations.  Also using a pillow that has proper neck support can be quite effective as well.⁴

Sometimes, the best way to unwind is with a nice massage.  Massage therapy has been proven to have many health benefits, for the body and the mind.  Of course, it may not always be practical to go see a massage therapist during the day, which is why many people use chairs with built in massagers, foot massagers, or even simple hand-held devices that can be used to administer a quick self-massage.

The bottom line is that you deserve to enjoy a life with as little stress as possible.  Everyone is different and what works for one, may not be ideal for another.  It is up to you to find what helps you to reduce stress, and then make that a part of your daily routine.

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¹ - http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/effects-of-stress-on-your-body

² - http://learnmem.cshlp.org/content/15/8/551.short

³ - http://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2012/07/05/how-stress-and-sleep-loss-are-shortening-your-life/

^{4 -} http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/sleep/pillow-support-and-comfort