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How Stress Affects Our Health and Wellness
Almost half of Americans suffer physically due to stress. Chronic stress can affect the body in a number of ways: It weakens the immune system, which can cause fatigue and make us more susceptible to colds and flues. It can also trigger a variety of ailments from gum disease to osteoporosis; cause premature aging; and lead to life-threatening illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Strategies for Managing Stress
Whether the stress originates at the office or at home-or a little of both-we take it wherever we go. The good news is that we now know that caring for our minds as well as our bodies can keep us healthier, happier and more productive in all aspects of life. Here are some strategies you can use to better manage stress.
- Treat your body right. Eating right and exercising can increase your tolerance to stress.
- Set realistic goals. Do what’s possible and carry on.
- Set and re-set your priorities. Take care of important and difficult tasks first, and eliminate unessential tasks.
- Take one task at a time. Divide large projects into smaller tasks, and make “to do” lists.
- Take five. Taking a short break can help slow down your mind long enough to improve your ability to deal with stress later.
- Learn to relax or meditate. Studies show that just 10 to 20 minutes of quiet reflection or meditation a day can bring relief from chronic stress and increase your tolerance to it.
- Learn to say “no”. Slow down and be honest about what you can comfortably do.
- Avoid excessive competition. Excessive competition can be dangerous emotionally and physically.
- Go easy on criticism. You may expect too much of yourself or others. Try not to feel let down when or frustrated when your expectations aren’t met.
- Manage your anger. Retreat before you lose control. This allows you to handle the problem constructively.
- Be honest with colleagues. Make it plain you feel you’re in a bind. Chances are others feel the same. Don’t complain-make practical suggestions for improvement.
- Take time out with a loved one. Talking it out can help you see things more clearly, release negative feelings and get emotional support
Counseling Services
The Human Services Center provides family counseling services to youth, teens, adults, and couples seeking assistance in: resolving conflicts, improving communication, parenting issues and much more.
For more information please contact:
Human Services.
Carolyn Owens Community Center
13201 Central Ave, Chino
909.591.9822
Chino Police
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