Stress management

Everyone experiences stress at some point. But prolonged (chronic) stress can harm your physical and emotional health. At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, our behavioral health specialists are here to help you reduce stress and improve your quality of life.

What is stress management?

Stress management is about recognizing high stress levels and taking action to reduce them. It takes time to learn how to control stress effectively.

Stress can be a reaction to a short-term situation, such as a traffic jam, or it can last a long time. Long-term stress is especially common when dealing with relationship problems, the death of a loved one or other serious situations.

Stress is normal, but it can become dangerous when it interferes with your ability to live well. The consequences of poorly managed stress can range from fatigue to more serious conditions like heart disease and obesity. Learning to manage your stress can improve both your mental and physical health.

Types of stress management

There are many strategies that can help you manage stress, including:

• Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES): CES is a medical treatment to promote relaxation. You use a device that sends low-intensity electrical currents through electrodes attached to your head. Researchers don’t know exactly why it works, but studies have shown that CES can reduce stress and other symptoms of mental health conditions.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which boost your mood. Movement also reduces stress hormones. Many physical activities such as yoga and tai chi incorporate mindfulness, which can aid stress management.
• Healthy lifestyle: Adopting healthy habits can help you bounce back more easily from stressful periods. Sleeping enough, eating a healthy diet and limiting alcohol and caffeine all help with stress management.
• Relaxation techniques: Strategies like deep breathing, guided meditation or progressive muscle relaxation help many people manage stress. These techniques help balance your nervous system and reduce physical tension.
• Social support: Connecting with others is a key way to reduce stress. You may seek support informally, such as by confiding in a loved one. You also can look for professional support, such as through a support group or therapy.

Conditions treated with stress management

Stress management is a key part of managing many mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Behavioral and emotional disorders
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Benefits of stress management

Managing stress with healthy coping techniques can improve your physical and mental health. It can lead to:

• Better sleep
• Improved concentration and memory
• Less muscle tension
• Lower risk of depression
• Stronger immune system and cardiovascular health