Recently, this nation has been challenged by unthinkable tragedy. In one week, we have faced the Boston bombings, the Texas fertilizer plant explosion, and a very intense manhunt for terrorists on American soil – prior to that we were faced with the unthinkable Newtown Massacre that claimed the lives of many of our youth and educators. Even during a so called “normal” day in this country, all we have to do is turn on the news to hear about standoffs, robberies, fatal accidents, and political issues that threaten our very way of life!
These terrible events have caused us to fear things we never thought we would – sending our children to school, going to work, traveling, and going to sporting events. Even those who do not experience these horrible tragedies in person feel the deep emotional impact and if you do not learn to manage your stress and anxiety, it can take over your life! Learn about stress management and natural ways to cope with emotions that cause stress.
The Impact of Stress
From a strictly medical perspective, stress can take its toll on you emotionally and physically.
People who do not manage stress factors commonly experience:
- Insomnia
- Digestive/Stomach Upsets
- Increased Heart Rate
- Weight Gain
- Muscle Twitching
- High Blood Pressure
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- General Haziness and Confusion
- Depression
…and so much more
Do You Have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is commonly associated with war veterans, but it reaches people are a far bigger scale than many realize. PTSD is defined as a type of stress related anxiety disorder that occurs after a person has witnessed or experienced violence that resulted in personal injury or that caused injury or death to others. Those who were first hand victims and spectators are the most likely to experience PTSD, but in the day of video phones and YouTube, many people are impacted in the same way as if they were there in person.
Your Natural Management Checklist
You cannot avoid stress factors but you can manage your stress with these quick tips.
- Drink lots of water
- Exercise – mainly cardio and yoga-type routines
- Supplements – Calcium, Omegas,
- Get adequate sleep
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
- Keep a daily journal
- Meditate
- Eat healthy foods
- Eliminate caffeine – mainly in the afternoons and at night and in excess
These tips should help you to reduce your stress almost instantly. Long term stress relief happens one step at a time and will almost always take time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and allowing your mind to process these events helps most people, but others will require outside help such as talk therapy or anti-depressant medications.
Family Practice Specialists
If recent events have caused you to feel a great deal more stress – you’re feeling fatigued, having trouble sleeping, eating, or a high level of anxiety, make an appointment with a Family Practice Specialist here in Phoenix just to be sure that your blood pressure at normal levels.
4350 E Camelback Rd Suite F100
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Camel Square
NW corner of Camelback and 44th St