These are all ways stress can affect your life. mental health. Numerous scientific studies show that long-term chronic stress is also terrible for physical health. I’m sorry to be dramatic but stress can kill you. “(Long-term stress) can contribute to physical problems such as heart problems, weight gain, or sleep disorders such as insomnia,” Fierheller says.

OK, you’ve gotten your wake-up call. Now the big question: What is the best way to deal with stress?

How to Prepare for Stressful Times in Advance?

When it comes to dealing with stress, offense can truly be your best defense. psychotherapist Chase Cassine, LCSW, One of the best ways to manage stress preventatively is to get regular, good sleep, he says. not getting enough sleep causes the body to produce more cortisol. Of course, feeling stressed can make it harder to sleep, which is where the tips in the next section come into play.

Cassine says a balanced diet also makes it easier to cope with anxiety-provoking events, making them easier to manage when they occur. This is because First of all, eating overly processed foods can cause inflammation.It may contribute to feeling anxious due to the effect on neurotransmitters in the brain (primarily decreased serotonin and increased cortisol).

Cassine says maintaining a strong support system is also key to being prepared for challenging times. Book these guys nights, don’t ignore your friends when they text you, and maybe even consider joining that group you’ve been hearing about. “Reach out to your friends to connect in real life and foster those interpersonal connections,” says Cassine.

Thewes says it’s important to regularly do at least one thing that brings you pleasure every day. This isn’t just fluffy advice; He says it helps increase endurance. Whatever your happy place is; a long run, reading a book out loud to your child, making dinner with your partner, watching it again. mad man— find time to do it.

What Should You Do When Stress Gets the Best of You?

It’s helpful to have habits that make it easier to cope with anxiety-triggering situations, but you still need a game plan for when you feel overwhelmed or tense. First, taking a breath or a few can actually be helpful.