The Boulevard Senior Living – St. Charles Explores Stress and Anxiety Management

Each day we go through our lives making decisions, worrying about the future, or maybe having concern about our health. It is only natural that we experience both stress and anxiety in some form at some level. Stress is defined as any demand placed on your brain or physical body, while anxiety is specified as fear, worry, or unease. Although defined differently, they are connected and share the same symptoms. Most of us experience stress, anxiety, or both at some point, whether from work or our personal life.

At The Boulevard Senior Living – St. Charles we are aware of proven techniques to help ease the symptoms of stress and anxiety, including lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet. We also know unmanaged stress and anxiety can interfere with your daily life and affect your physical and mental health.

When I become stressed or anxious, I can’t switch off my thoughts; my mind just keeps racing with thoughts of what all needs to be done or what is going on. I have trouble concentrating and remembering things. I feel overwhelmed and am often irritable and fatigued. There are many causes and triggers for stress and anxiety. Not having control over a situation, overwhelming responsibilities, divorce, the death of a loved one, financial worries, a chronic illness or injury, and taking care of an elderly or sick family member, are just a few.

Stress and anxiety can have many symptoms including headaches, depression, loss of sense of humor, irritability, anger, frustration, and fatigue. It can also increase blood pressure, heart rate, cause rapid breathing, and long-term it can cause weight problems, digestive issues, insomnia, and problems with thinking and memory.

Some lifestyle changes to use to decrease symptoms of stress and anxiety are eat healthy, exercise more, and get enough sleep. Try unplugging from electronics, like TV, email, and social media, and do things that you enjoy and makes you feel good. Try meditation. If that still isn’t enough, get help from a licensed mental health professional. It is important to take care of yourself!

Some stress and anxiety are expected, but if you feel it becoming unmanageable and affecting your daily life, a healthcare professional can help you develop new coping skills.