Meditation

Did you know?

• Stress affects both the mind and body, and impacts overall health and well-being. It increases the risk of mental and physical health such as infection, illness, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, as well as depressive and anxiety disorders
• With chronic stress, nerve chemicals that are life-saving in short bursts can suppress functions that aren't needed for immediate survival. Your immunity is lowered and your digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems stop working normally. Once the threat has passed, other body systems act to restore normal functioning. Problems occur if the stress response goes on too long, such as when the source of stress is constant, or if the response continues after the danger has subsided
• Some people experience mainly digestive symptoms, while others may have headaches, sleeplessness, depressed mood, anger and irritability

How to manage stress

• Recognize signs of your body's response to stress, such as difficulty sleeping, increased alcohol and other substance use, being easily angered, feeling depressed, and having low energy
• Identify the source of your stress, try to solve the problem and cope with it positively. Don't avoid, deny, or withdraw from the problem, because it will continue to exist and affect you
• Talk to someone you trust, whether it be a friend, spouse, family member, or counselor
• Take the time to slow down and relax. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, visualization, tai chi, and yoga reduce stress and improve health
• Be active and exercise, it will reduce stress and improve health and well-being
• Get enough sleep so that the body can repair itself, lack of sleep can increase stress
• Avoid drugs, alcohol, caffeine and energy drinks