Stress is a natural part of life and certainly something you cannot live without. At times, stress can become too much and can create issues for ourselves. Today we are looking at ways that stress can negatively impact our lives and ways to alleviate stress.

Excessive Sweating

Sweating is not inherently bad. Think of it like the body’s natural air conditioning system that is also a bit of cleansing. You release toxins and your body cools off. Knowing that, can sweating be bad for you? Yes, it can become a serious problem or be the sign of one. If you are under intense stress that is not being alleviated, you could find yourself sweating at odd times or at very inconvenient moments. Excessive sweating can lead to embarrassing stains to clothing and odors. This makes using appropriate products designed for sweating and stress relief a priority.

Future Heart Problems

One thing is for sure, long periods of stress can be bad for your heart. There are changes happening within the body that can leave long-term effects. A rise in adrenaline, increased heart rate,  and shortness of breath are common side effects of an anxiety attack or a response to intense stress. In small doses and very rare, that is okay. When it becomes more frequent, it can cause damage to our heart and internal organs.

Breathe and Go to a Happy Place

Whenever stress pops up into our lives, it is important that we handle it in a healthy manner. First and foremost, remove yourself from the situation and find a quiet place. A few slow breaths can help control your heart rate and the adrenaline rushing through your body. You can try foursquare breathing (breathe in for a four count, hold for a four count, release for a four count, and hold for a four count) or look for a breathing video on Youtube to help you focus and calm down. A happy place is also helpful to ground yourself. It may be envisioning yourself on a beach, strolling among the flowers in a garden, or sitting in a dark cave that helps you regain your usual demeanor and then go tackle the problem at hand.

Ask for Help

Whenever you are dealing with a stressful situation, ask people closest to you for help. They can sit and just listen to you. They can hold your hand while you deal with your situation. They could even take some of the workload off you during your stressful moment. Our loved ones love to be of help to us so this is the time to let them in and support you.

If you do not have a supportive family or friends around you, this is an excellent time to seek out professional help. Professionals know how to handle these situations and can even help you seek out resources that can help which you may not have been aware of before.

Take an Anger Management Class

It is often assumed that anger management classes are for people who scream, hit, and throw things. Actually, anger management classes are an excellent resource for everyone! You learn about boundaries and identifying your own emotional responses to stress. By being aware and learning techniques to how you respond to stress, you can alleviate a lot of stress in your life and manage it better in the future.

Self-care is often considered to be hot bubble baths and massages but it is so much more. All of the above tips will help you take care of your body, health, and will let you feel better about dealing with future stresses.

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