Community Engagement

Stressed out? Try our tips for stress management

Stress affects your whole body, kicking your body’s system into high gear. This “fight or flight” response is a natural reaction to a perceived threat.

When you’re stressed out for a short period of time, it’s not much of a problem. However, chronic stress can contribute to or increase your risk of a number of health issues, including:

Colds
Headaches and migraines
Heart disease and high blood pressure
Mental health problems including depression and anxiety
Skin problems including hives, rashes and eczema
Sleep problems
Weight gain and digestive problems

Goshen Health can provide education about stress management to the community. Our team can also refer to you a primary care provider or specialist to address any stress-related health issues.

Call (574) 364-2496 for more information about stress management or call (877) 566-4660 to find a provider.

Dealing with stressful situations

Everyone has moments that send their stress levels sky high. But having frequent episodes of acute stress can add up. Dealing with them as they come helps prevent a chronic problem.

In stressful moments, try one of these helpful approaches:

Count to 10, or even 20.
Go for a five-minute walk.
Separate a big task into several smaller parts, then work on one task at a time.
Set your watch ahead if you worry about being late.
Take several deep breaths until you feel more in control.
Walk away until you calm down.

How to manage and relieve stress

Coping with stress long term requires you to make time to focus on yourself. Goshen Health recommends these stress management tips:

● Get regular physical activity. Exercise is one of the best stress management strategies. It triggers the release of hormones and brain chemicals that buffer stress. Exercise also has physical benefits and promotes sleep.

● Learn to relax. Take up yoga or meditate on a regular basis. Relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises can be especially useful to end your day.

● Take care of yourself. Healthy living is important to stress management. Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night and eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Limit caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.

Protecting your health and well-being is our priority. Take advantage of our opportunities and programs that help manage stress for the Elkhart County community.

Goshen Health offers classes and events to provide stress relief Goshen, IN.