Everyone deals with stressful situations throughout any given day. If you don’t know how to properly manage your stressors, they can add up and cause a physical breakdown. It’s not enough to tell people not to stress. It’s more important to show people. With that understanding, consider two tips to help you manage your stress.

1. Exercise

Oftentimes, people associate exercise with weight loss. While it can be helpful in the quest toward weight management, that’s not the only reason why you should exercise. When you move your body, you’ll release endorphins. Endorphins are known as the feel-good hormone. When you’re stressed out, moving your body can help you move the stress that’s taking up space in your body. When you’re really stressed, it’s not uncommon to feel the tension in areas like your stomach or your chest. By physically moving your body, you’ll help release that stress. Consider going for a jog or a brisk walk in the neighborhood. If you have a gym membership, go lift weights and use the stair-climber for an hour. If you love biking, yoga, or dance classes, take some time to enjoy the physical movement. If your workday is stressing you out, stop for a five-minute stretching break once every hour and see how you feel at the end of the workday.

Father and son meditating at home.

2. Deep Breathing/Meditation

A lot of people tend to hold their breath when they’re in tense situations. If you don’t take the time to actively take deep breaths, you’ll hold a lot of stress and tension in your body. Inhale for a few seconds, and exhale for a few seconds. As you do deep-breathing exercises, consider mindfulness meditations to mentally center yourself and remain grounded. Sometimes, when your mind is racing, you just need some time to connect with yourself, silence your thoughts, and breathe. Stress is the silent killer. After all, studies show that at least 75 to 90% of all doctor’s visits are directly connected to stress. Many people don’t fully understand how to manage it. Empower yourself with these stress management tools; you’ll be well on your way to creating a life where you’re not crippled by the daily challenges that arise.

Do you have more questions about stress management in Salem, Oregon? Contact our friendly staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!

This post was first published on wfmchealth.org.