Increased Stress Levels Causing Spurt of Health Problems

For stress management in Rochester Hills, it is time to start focusing on your health.

As a culture, Americans are more stressed out than ever before. Some experts have gone so far as to refer to anxiety as an epidemic in the United States. Difficult economic times only add to this fretful nature, as financial and career stress top the list of problems Americans can’t stop thinking about.

However, when stopped on the street and asked what really makes us happy, most people don’t go straight to saying their money and job. (Sure, there are some who prioritize their happiness on those factors, but not most people.) According to the most recent report from the General Social Survey, an ongoing survey that’s been evaluating general attitudes across the nation for the past 40 years, the number one factor that determines a person’s happiness is their health.

On average, healthy people are 20 percent happier than the average American. Conversely, unhealthy people are over eight percent unhappier than most people.

Stress and Anxiety—A Catch 22

If healthier people are happier people, then focusing on your health could theoretically improve your happiness. But stress wears down your health, increasing your risk of weight gain, depression, and heart disease. The more stressed you are about smaller factors, the less healthy you become, and the spiral generally continues downward.

What if you broke that downward spiral? Instead of focusing on the many environmental factors that stress you out, take a step back and start focusing on your health instead.

There are a few ways that you can start developing a healthier lifestyle:

• Exercise: Aside from its weight loss benefits, exercise offers a great deal of health perks. A thirty minute walk can increase blood circulation, improve heart health and help you better manage your stress. There are a few forms of exercise that are particularly respected for their stress management benefits, like yoga and tai chi.
• Eat healthier: Following a healthier diet can significantly improve your health and help you manage stress. Unfortunately, many people turn to fattening and sugary comfort foods during times of emotional strain. Ask the team of behavioral and wellness specialists at Waller Wellness what type of diet might help you manage stress better.
• Sleep: You should be getting at least seven hours of sleep every night. Less sleep can cause you to feel fatigued, experience headaches and even gain weight.
• Laugh: Everyone needs to smile and laugh. Laughing is a great way to improve your blood circulation, as it causes you to breathe deeply as you would during a cardio workout.

Stress is difficult to cope with, and learning good stress management techniques takes time. If you are having trouble coping with stress, the team at Waller Wellness might be able to help.