7 ways stress affects your body
If you’ve ever been on a roller coaster, you’re familiar with the slow tick of the track as you climb the hill to the top for that first plunge. Your heart races with uncertainty and excitement, steadily building until you’re on the brink. Sound familiar? Stress can be a roller coaster, with those same twists and turns and, if we’re not careful, an emotional peak that can have a big impact on our minds and bodies.
Think stress is just about the mind? Think again. Not only is stress a burden on your mental health, leading to feelings of burnout, anxiety and depression, but stress that’s not dealt with can lead to many physical health problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- Migraines and tension headaches
- Hormonal changes caused by an increase of stress hormones like cortisol
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Obesity
- Diabetes
4 TIPS TO TAME THE BEAST!
We’ve all felt that slow rise in emotion and pressure that feels inescapable, but it doesn’t have to take you for a ride!
1. Make time for self-care
Even when you’re busy, you can still take a moment for yourself to do something you enjoy. Whether it’s sitting down with a book, taking a long shower, going for a walk or enjoying your favorite meal, the options are endless.
2. Boost your mind-body connection
While COVID-19 is back on the rise, there’s good news—a new booster is here to help protect you from the latest variants. Even if you’ve been vaccinated or boosted or had the virus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend you get the new booster. Speak with your doctor or schedule an appointment with a participating pharmacy.
3. Get moving
When you’re stressed, the last thing you may want to do is exercise, but lacing up those sneakers is sure to release stress-busting endorphins. Any movement counts—from yoga to jogging to stretching or marching in place, stress is no match against a good sweat session!
4. Talk it out
Sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to. Whether it’s a friend or a professional like a counselor or therapist, reach out if you could use someone to listen and help you troubleshoot the issues that have been weighing on your mind.
Need help dealing with stress?
For information and tips, visit the Healthy Minds section of our Healthy Living Resource Center or call the Benefit Funds’ Wellness Member Assistance Program at (646) 473-6900 for a confidential referral.
Sharese has been busy since she was featured in the Fall 2023 For Your Benefit magazine. She changed jobs, becoming a Secretary II at the NYU Orthopedic Center, where she has a greater opportunity to interact with her patients. And that’s not all. After seeing a Benefit Funds email about the Virta program for members living with type 2 diabetes, she decided to give it a try. She’s glad she did. “The toolbox Virta provides made a big difference for me,” she said. They sent her a food scale and glucose and ketone meters. “There is a lot of science behind the program, and the Virta coaches give you the support you need.” Sharese lost 10 pounds in six months and is looking forward to her next A1C screening. “Virta is a great benefit,” she said. “I encourage anyone with diabetes to give it a try!”
Sofia’s doctor prescribed medication and recommended that she eat a healthy diet. So, she cut out junk food and now chooses flavored seltzer over soda. She limits the number of tortillas she eats and started making healthier recipes for her whole family. Exercise is also a part of her health journey. When Sofia brought her daughter Dania along with her to an appointment, her doctor told her something that really hit home. “He told me I need to stay alive for her,” she said. “I knew he was right.” Sofia’s doctor suggested that she walk more for exercise, recommending that she make walking a family activity. She took the advice seriously.
