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The beginning of a new year means a fresh start. It is an opportunity to tackle new projects, set new goals and find new opportunities to get and stay healthy – including reducing the amount of stress in your life. But why does stress play such an important role in our health? There are a number of reasons, according to Dr. Packard, the Medical Director of Inpatient Psychiatric Services at Palestine Regional Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Program.
“Stress can cause depression or anxiety, increased blood pressure and weight gain, and can even lead to heart disease, among other detriments to your health,” Dr. Packard says. “And while some level of stress is inevitable and can even be positive, it’s essential that we learn how to manage stress to maintain our physical and mental health, and protect our overall well-being.
Stress, which is your body’s response to any demand or change, can come from a variety of sources, both positive and negative. It can be short-term or long-term and can present itself in a variety of ways. Dr. Packard says, “Long term stress, or constant stress tends to be associated with more emotional and physical illness.”
“It’s important to identify the “stressors” in your life – those events or situations that cause you stress – and recognize how your body responds,” he says. “If you are aware of these factors, you can learn to manage your stress more effectively, which can help you sleep better and fight illness, among other health benefits.”
This year, consider improving your approach to stress management with these 10 helpful tips:
If you would like to speak to a primary care provider or mental health professional about your stress, call 903.731.1134 of visit the “Find a Provider” tab at Palestine Regional Medical Center.