How can I better manage my stress?

When should I seek help?

This section provides general information about managing stress. If you are a consumer or family member seeking more detailed information about strategies for wellness and managing your stress, we encourage you to visit Stress and Recovery in our Recovery section.

Stress is a natural part of life. You can feel physical stress when you have too much to do, or when you've had too little sleep, aren't eating properly or have been ill. Stress can also be emotional. You can feel it when you worry about money, work deadlines or a loved one's illness, or when you experience a devastating life event, such as the death of a spouse or the loss of a job.

When stress is not addressed, it can affect many parts of your life, including your productivity and performance on the job. In fact, workplace stress causes about 1 million U.S. employees to miss work each day.

More importantly, stress impacts your health. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, which can cause fatigue and leave you more vulnerable to colds and flu. It can also trigger a variety of ailments - from gum disease to premature aging to life-threatening illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Whether stress starts at work or at home - or maybe both - we take it with us wherever we go. So its important to learn how to manage stress levels. Here are a few tips:

• Treat your body right.
  There IS a mind/body connection. Eat right and exercise - it will increase your tolerance for stress.
• Take one thing at a time.
  Pick one task and work on it. When that's done, move on to the next. Focus, get one thing done and feel good about it, and move on.
• Be realistic.
  Set reasonable goals - don't set yourself up to fail.
• Give yourself a little break.
  No one is perfect.
• Just say no.
  If you are overwhelmed at home or at work, learn to say "No!"
• Take five.
  Just a few minutes of quiet reflection can bring relief.
• Exercise.
  Thirty minutes of physical activity per day helps both body and mind. Use part of your lunch break to take a walk. Ask a coworker or a friend to go with you!
• Share your feelings.
  Don't try to cope alone. Talking it out can help you see things more clearly, release negative feelings and get emotional support. Let friends and family help.
• Be flexible.
  Whether at home or at work, arguing only increases stress. Be prepared to make allowances for other people's opinions and to compromise.
• Don't be overly critical.
  You may expect too much from yourself or from others. Remember, everyone is unique and has his or her own virtues and shortcomings.

When to Seek Help 

• Constantly overwhelmed
• Strained relationships
• Poor work performance
• Overly emotional
• "Little things" set you off
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Headaches and backaches
• Rise in blood pressure

Talk with your doctor, spiritual or religious leader or employee assistance program (EAP). They may suggest that you see a mental health professional to help you manage your stress or suggest other resources. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness - taking care of yourself is a sign of strength!