Stress plays a big role in our physical and mental health and can magnify symptoms that we may feel. People can become overwhelmed with daily stressors such as housework, childcare, caring for elder relatives, finances, school, and more. Often people may feel guilt about the stress they feel but don’t know what to do to help. Stress is something that impacts everyone, not just those routinely in high-pressure jobs or situations. It’s important that everyone has access to stress management techniques or support that works for them.
Cortisol, the “stress hormone”, works in tandem with adrenaline to respond to stressful, dangerous, or “fight or flight” situations. Cortisol raises blood sugars, while adrenaline increases heart rate and blood pressure. When this system works the way it should, it helps us temporarily feel increased energy, decreased sensitivity to pain, and heightened memory. However, chronic stress causes a host of issues when cortisol levels are too high for too long including weight gain, increased blood pressure, cholesterol and risk for heart disease, as well as impaired immune system functioning.
Utilizing stress management techniques have been shown to help:
- Decrease pain
- Decrease your overall body muscle tension
- Decrease blood pressure
- Decrease anxiety and depression
- Improve mood and sleep
- Reduced pain related to fibromyalgia
- Maintaining blood glucose levels in Type II Diabetes
There are many different techniques that can be used to manage stress including meditation, yoga, mindfulness, journaling, walking, and progressive muscle relaxation. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be performed with the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist with or without the use of medication for those experiencing anxiety or depression.
At Synergy, we take a holistic approach to therapy by incorporating stress management techniques and education into treatment sessions to enhance healing and work toward more sustainable outcomes. Take the first step toward improved health and decreased stress by setting up an initial evaluation today.
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