Stress occurs when you feel that demands placed on you — such as work, school or relationships — are beyond your ability. However, untreated long-term stress can result in serious health conditions including anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, high blood pressure and a weakened immune system. Everyone is different, and so are the ways they choose to manage their stress. Some people prefer pursuing hobbies such as gardening, playing music and creating art, while others find relief in more solitary (独自的) activities: meditation, yoga and walking.
Do some exercise. The research keeps growing — exercise benefits your mind just as well as your body. We keep hearing about the long-term benefits of a regular exercise routine. But even a 20-minute walk, run, swim or dance session in the midst of a stressful time can give an immediate effect that can last for several hours.
It may seem difficult to get away from a big work project, a crying baby or a growing credit card bill. But when you give yourself permission to step away from it, you let yourself have time to do something else, which can help you have a new perspective or practice techniques to feel less overwhelmed. It's important not to avoid your stress (those bills have to be paid sometime), but even just 20 minutes to take care of yourself is helpful.
Smile and laugh. Our brains are interconnected with our emotions and facial expressions. When people are stressed, they often hold a lot of the stress in their face. So laughs or smiles can help relieve some of that tension and improve the situation.
Try meditation. Meditation and mindful prayer help the mind and body to relax and focus. Mindfulness can help people see new perspectives, develop self-compassion and forgiveness. Much like exercise, research has shown that even meditating briefly can bring immediate benefits.
A. Take a break from the stressor.
B. Get some social support from whatever sources you can access.
C. Too much stress can affect body systems and cause mental problems.
D. Here are four healthy techniques that may help reduce stress in the short- and long-term.
E. But by finding positive, healthy ways, many of these negative health consequences can be reduced.
F. When practicing mindfulness, people can release emotions contributing to the body physical stress.
G. Some stress can be beneficial at times, producing a boost that helps people get through tough situations.
