If you have stress symptoms, taking steps to manage your stress can have numerous health benefits. Explore stress management strategies, such as:
- Regular physical activity
- Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi
- Getting a regular massage/relaxation treatment
- Socializing with family and friends
- Setting aside time for hobbies, such as reading a book or listening to music
- Adjusting your diet to reduce caffeine, tobacco use, alcohol and increasing your fruit and vegetable intake
“Active ways to manage your stress are best as inactive ways you may use to manage stress ? such as watching television, surfing the Internet or playing video games ? may seem relaxing, but they may increase your stress over the long term. Exercise releases endorphins which trigger a positive feeling within the body and reduce perceptions of pain which can help boost mood when feeling low or depressed as well as reducing stress levels.” (Mayo Clinic)