Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare’s Health Note on Stress

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is this feeling recent or have you been feeling like this for an extended period of time? Both chronic and long-term stress pose many health risks including heart disease, sleep problems, digestive problems, depression, obesity, memory impairment or worsening of skin conditions. In order to manage your stress, you need to identify the stressor. Knowing what stresses you allows you to be more prepared for the stressor and gain control of your response or reaction. A stressor could be external or internal. External stressors are events or situations that cause stress to you, and can be caused by major life changes, the environment, unpredictable events, family/friends and the workplace. Internal stressors can be self-induced, such as fears, uncertainty and beliefs. There are several techniques that you can use to manage your stress, such as counting backwards from ten, deep breathing, or listening to music. Other long term stress-reducing techniques are participating in physical activity on a regular basis, getting a massage, or talking with a counselor or trusted friend.

From:

Carissa Wiersma

Freelance Communication Specialist - Marketing Communications

Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare

mayoclinichealthsystem.org