From Sharp Health News, a publication of Sharp HealthCare
You may be well-aware of some of life’s top stress triggers, such as serious illness, death of a loved one, a job change, relocation or divorce. However, if you allow small stressors to build up over time, they could be equally problematic.
Small stress triggers can include:
- Traffic: congested traffic, road rage and long daily commutes
- Work: co-worker tension, difficult bosses and work overload
- Relationships: lack of trust, arguments with loved ones and loneliness
- Poor nutrition: too much caffeine, processed foods and refined sugars, or not enough nutrition
- Emotions: unresolved resentment, anger or hurt (even from childhood)
- Media overload: TV, radio, internet, email and social networking
- Sleep deprivation: exhaustion and inability to release adrenaline and other stress hormones
To manage daily stressors, build the following into your routine:
- Regular physical activity
- Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi or massage
- Keeping a sense of humor
- Socializing with family and friends
- Setting aside time for hobbies, such as reading a book or listening to music
Remind yourself to take breaks from stressful situations, use your self-soothing skills, give yourself compassionate coaching statements — things you might say to a good friend when showing them compassion — or simply take a few deep breaths.
The VEBA Resource Center offers Restorative Yoga for Stress Management. Learn different techniques (breathing, relaxation, mindfulness and restorative poses) to help manage the cumulative effects of stress and support overall health. Check out our calendar to sign up for an upcoming class.
