Do you think stress just affects your mood? Think again! Stress can take over not only your emotional health but your physical health, too. Therefore, it is important to do what you can to manage your stress as much as possible.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Cheltenham wants you to have more good days than bad when it comes to stress. As a result, we have some tips on how you can better manage stress before it gets the best of your health.

How Does Stress Affect Your Health?

When you experience stress, your body and your mind can both react. Your mood might become more agitated and impatient, while the muscles in your body can start to tighten and your heart begins to beat faster.

If you do not learn ways to manage your stress, chronic stress can increase your risk of a number of health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Therefore, you want to recognize the signs of stress as quickly as possible in order to take action.

Symptoms of Stress

• Low energy
• Headaches
• Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation and nausea
• Aches and pains
• Tense muscles
• Chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Insomnia
• Frequent colds
• Infections

Is Stress Really Harmful?

At times, stress can be good, especially when it comes to getting a project done. However, when stress starts to take over more days than not, it can get to the point it can be harmful for your health.

So, you want to make sure you are doing all you can to prevent stress before it starts and to manage your stress levels.

Ways to Manage Stress

• Practice yoga or other meditation techniques.
• Keep a journal.
• Get plenty of sleep each night.
• Follow a healthy diet.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Get regular exercise.

Is stress getting the best of your health? Visit the AFC Urgent Care Cheltenham team today for a complete checkup.