Stress

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Stress and Its Impact on Well-Being

Stress is the body’s normal reaction to changes or challenges that occur. Stress is very common and affects nearly everyone. Stress can sometimes be a good thing. It can keep you alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger. Stress becomes a problem, however, when stressors continue without periods of relief. Stress is categorized as acute, episodic or chronic.

Acute stress comes and goes quickly and can be positive or negative.

Eposidic acute stress is acute stress that occurs on a regular basis; it can often be work-related.

Chronic stress goes on for weeks or months at a time. Chronic stress is typically caused by home/relationship stressors, work or financial problems. If you don’t find a way to manage chronic stress, it can lead to health issues.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Stress and How to Reduce Them

Chronic stress symptoms can manifest as physical (chest pain, trouble sleeping, headaches, digestive issues), psychological (anxiety, depression, panic attacks) or behavioral. People with chronic stress turn to different activities to try and cope, which might lead to alcohol use, gambling, overeating, compulsive shopping or substance use.

While stress cannot be avoided entirely, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Do some physical activity every day. Go for a short walk, a jog or join an exercise class.

Consider meditation, yoga or daily breathing exercises. Focus on what you accomplish every day and not what you didn’t get done.

Make sure to get enough sleep and try staying positive. Connect with family and friends or seek counseling from a professional therapist.

Seek medical attention if you feel overwhelmed, your stress symptoms are not going away or if you’ve turned to alcohol or drugs to cope.

Alleviate Stress Naturally with Acupuncture

Discover How Acupuncture Can Reduce Stress Hormones, Improve Circulation, and Promote Restful Sleep

Consider acupuncture to help relieve your stress. Acupuncture increases circulation, reduces levels of stress hormones and calms the nervous system during each treatment, helping to alleviate stress and improve sleep.