It is estimated that over seventy-five percent of all visits to the doctor are due to a stress-related complaint. Stress is a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs a person's physical and mental equilibrium. Stress triggers a "fight-or-flight" response, causing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline to surge through the body.

There have been multiple studies on the effects that stress has on one's body. Even with that, stress still seems to plague everyone. Chronic stress can lower our immunity, and cease normal functions of your digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems. It's imperative that you take a step back, and learn to cope with stress before it overtakes your health and wellbeing.

How can you cope?

Taking practice steps on how to manage stress is a process; it is not something that happens overnight. The first step is to not be so hard on yourself if you see stress affecting you, even when trying to implement your coping techniques. You have to be persistent to succeed. 

• Learn proper breathing techniques when things start to feel stressful.

• Seek help from a qualified behavioral health provider; they can assist with techniques outside of breathing that can help you cope.

• Keep a supportive small group around you at all times. Lean on them in times of need.

• Exercise regularly; even just 30 minutes a day can help boost your mood and reduce the amount of stress you are feeling.

• Schedule regular fun times that you can close your eyes and look forward to when things get stressful.

While stress can be significant, positive or negative, long-term or short-term, you have to be able to understand when to take a step back. It’s for your health, and you only get one chance to your health.

                                                                                           Image by: Visual.ly