Stress & Self-care

Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Your Health

Stress is a natural response to a perceived challenge, change or threat. Stress is normal. We all experience some form of stress at work or at home. Our body is programed to respond to stress. While some stress may be normal, distress may have serious health consequences if not addressed in a timely way. High levels of stress may trigger “fight, flight or freeze” reactions. This may also come with heightened adrenalin or cortisol into the body.

Physical symptoms associated with stress may include, headaches, exhaustion, muscle tension, high blood pressure, jaw clenching or stomach pains. Psychological symptoms include anxiety, depression or panic attacks. The impact on your body may not be so evident in the beginning. But chronic stress or long-term stress could also result in chronic illness.

A small mushroom growing in a grassy field with green leaves and tall grass surrounding it.
A stack of five balanced stones on sandy ground with a cloudy sky and some greenery in the background.

The first step to dealing with stress is becoming conscious of how your body is reacting to stress. Next, think about what you are doing to relieve stress. How intentional are you about self-care and mindfulness?

Tall pine trees in a dense forest with a cloudy sky above.
A woman with short curly hair, wearing a white lace-shoulder dress, enjoying sunlight with eyes closed in a field during sunset.
People practicing yoga outdoors on a sunny day, sitting cross-legged on mats, with one person in the foreground facing away.

Managing or Preventing Stress

How you manage your stress makes all the difference. Here is a short list of things that you can do to control your level of stress:

  • Be mindful of your body’s reaction to stress

  • Breathe

  • Meditate/focus/intentionally calm your body

  • Create a self-care plan

Videos – COMING SOON!