I am a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and specialize in stroke and non-traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, musculoskeletal issues, osteopathic manipulative medicine and general rehabilitation. But, I am most passionate about sharing my knowledge about wellness to help prevent and manage medical issues, such as stroke and cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, musculoskeletal pain and headaches.
I will be writing on a regular basis about a variety of wellness topics to provide you with information that will help empower you to live a healthy and abundant life. I am excited and honored to begin this journey with you!
We have all experienced stress. It is defined as a perception of psychological pressure as well as the body’s responses to it. These responses can include reactions such an increased heart rate or blood pressure, fear, decreased sleep, emotional eating, memory loss and depression. The truth of the matter is that life will always include some level of stress. However, it is important to identify stressors and learn strategies to manage them in healthy and life affirming ways.
Ten signs of excessive stress:
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness
- Changes in mood and/or sex drive
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Excessive alcohol or drug use
- Over or under eating
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Poor focus or motivation
- Anger outbursts
- Social withdrawal
So, you may be saying, “Okay, Doc, that describes me, but can I do about it?” Identifying these signs in yourself can be the first step to managing your stress.
Here are five other ways you can help to manage your stress starting today:
- Take a walk. Aim to walk 30 minutes per day to take advantage of the cardiovascular benefits of exercise. If you only have 5 to 10 minutes, start there and fit in additional minutes when you can. Exercise is one of my “go-to” ways of managing my daily stressors and walking is FREE!
- Take a breath. Meditation has been shown to be a helpful addition to your wellness regimen to reduce anxiety, depression and pain.
- Write it down. Though it appears that there are a number of reasons why expressive writing helps with stress management, some studies show that writing your thoughts down helps to cope with a stressful event or experience. I personally love hand written letters and cards to connect with those I love.
- Do what you love. If you have a hobby that you truly love but you do not do, because life has gotten in the way, consider finding time to start again. Doing things we enjoy is medicine for the soul.
- Ask for help. Asking for help when you need it is not only healthy, but it is smart. No one has all of the answers, but seeking out the counsel or assistance of someone you trust (i.e. therapist, minister, doctor or trusted loved one) may help you to gain the perspective you need to change the circumstances which are increasing your level of stress.
The key point: We cannot make stress completely disappear from our lives, but we can control how we deal with it.
I challenge you to discover the solution for yourself that will empower you to live a healthy and balanced life.
For more information on prevention and wellness, call 1-888-44-REHAB (73422) or contact us online.
