I am well-acquainted with feelings of stress and anxiety. Since I have Crohn’s Disease, it is very important for me to manage my stress and anxiety because it is has a huge effect on my health. I feel the effects of stress much more quickly and more strongly than before I was diagnosed. I use a variety of methods to manage my stress and anxiety. The two most effective methods for me have been yoga and acupuncture. All of us have experienced stress at some point or another, and many of us experience it every day. This blog will give you a brief overview of stress.
Stress can manifest in a variety of ways.
Not everyone feels stress in the same way. Some of the effects of stress include:
- A faster heart rate
- Skipped heartbeats
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Dizziness
- Loose stools
- Frequent need to urinate
- Dry mouth
- Problems swallowing
- Hard time focusing
- Feel tired most of the time
- Lose your temper more often
- Problems falling or staying asleep
- Nightmares
Almost anything can cause a person stress and/or anxiety. Life changes are a major source of stress, as well as stressful relationships, jobs, etc. Some medications can also cause or worsen symptoms of stress. Caffeine, cocaine, alcohol, and tobacco products may also cause or make symptoms of stress or anxiety worse.
There are things you can do to manage your stress.
How do you help manage your stress?
- Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet.
- Get enough sleep and exercise.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Do not use nicotine, cocaine, or other street drugs.
- Learn and practice ways to relax. Find out about yoga, tai chi, or meditation.
- Take breaks from work. Balance fun activities with your job and family duties.
- Schedule leisure time every day.
- Spend time with people you enjoy, including your family.
- Try learning to make things with your hands, playing an instrument, or listening to music.
- Think about what might be giving you stress. Keep a diary of what is going on when you have these feelings. Then, find someone you trust who will listen to you. Often just talking to a friend or loved one is all that you need to feel better. Check if your community has support groups and hotlines.
- Ask your health care provider if any drugs or medicines you are taking can cause anxiety.
Get outside to reduce stress.
Reasons you may want to seek more help are:
- You have feelings of panic, such as dizziness, rapid breathing, or a racing heartbeat.
- You are unable to work or function at home or at your job.
- You have fears that you cannot control.
- You are having memories of a traumatic event.
- You have suicidal feelings.
- Do not stop taking any prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor.
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