Practical Ways To Manage Stress

If you have stress symptoms, taking steps to manage your stress can have many health benefits. Explore stress management strategies, such as:

Getting regular physical activity
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi or massage.

Keeping a sense of humor

Spending time with family and friends

Setting aside time for hobbies, such as reading a book or listening to music

Aim to find active ways to manage your stress.

Inactive ways to manage stress — such as watching television, surfing the internet or playing video games — may seem relaxing, but they may increase your stress over the long term.

And be sure to get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Avoid tobacco use, excess caffeine and alcohol, and the use of illegal substances.

If you're not sure if stress is the cause or if you've taken steps to control your stress but your symptoms continue, see your doctor.

Your healthcare provider may want to check for other potential causes. Or consider seeing a professional counselor
or therapist, who can help you identify sources of your stress and learn new coping tools.

Also, get emergency help immediately if you have chest pain, especially if you also have shortness of breath, jaw or back pain, pain radiating into your shoulder and arm, sweating, dizziness, or nausea.
These may be warning signs of a heart attack and not simply symptoms.

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER)

Compiled by: Boluwaji Emmanuel