Community Regional Medical Center and Allen Community Hospital know that stress can take a toll on the body. While the holidays can be a time of great excitement for children, the holidays can also be a particularly stressful time of the year for many people. Whether it’s the many invitations to holiday parties, crowds at the stores, winter weather and long list of gifts to buy; the holidays bring more than joy and glad tidings.
Studies have shown a direct link between stress and the increase in illness. One thing you can do is shorten your to-do list. Doing so may even reduce your risk of:
- Heart disease, including heart attacks
- Skin conditions, including psoriasis and shingles
- Digestive disorder flare-ups, such as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease
- Immune disorders, including flare-ups of multiple sclerosis and lupus
- Anxiety, depression, and insomnia
- Worsening pain, if you already have a pain disorder such as arthritis, back pain, and muscle spasms
If shortening the to-do list isn’t as easy as it seems, try these stress management tips:
- Learn better ways to manage your time. You may get more done with less stress if you make a schedule. Think about which things are most important, and do those first.
- Take good care of yourself. Get plenty of rest. Eat well. Do not smoke. Limit how much alcohol you drink.
- Exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get started.
- Do something you enjoy. A hobby can help you relax. Volunteer or work that helps others can be a great stress reliever.
- Learn ways to relax your body. This can include breathing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, massage, aromatherapy or yoga.
Source: WebMD
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