The little things can add up.
Stress can come in many forms. When you face big life events like major transitions or health scares, you likely expect those times to be stressful. But what about when there isn’t a clear reason, yet you still feel consistently irritated, drained or overwhelmed?
Some of the ongoing stressors that can wear down your resiliency over time, and impact sleep, diet and mood include financial concerns, relationship strains, managing the needs of aging parents or young children, poor work-life balance, chronic pain or other health issue, and not having a regular routine.
While no one can live a 100% stress-free life, there are things you can do that will help you better manage your everyday stressors.
Get enough sleep.
Prioritizing sleep is the best thing you can do for yourself. Staying up late scrolling might feel like down time, but ultimately it isn’t helping you relax. Sleep helps you think more clearly, and effectively problem solve.
Drink plenty of water.
Chronic dehydration from not drinking enough water impacts your body’s chemical responses and can feel like increased stress levels. Simply staying hydrated can help a lot.
Eat a well-balanced diet.
A healthy diet supports your body’s resilience against stress. Choosing fried and processed “comfort” foods, overeating or skipping meals, can all lead to you feeling worse, not better.
Get outside.
Even in colder months, a short amount of time outside can do a lot for your mood. Can’t go outside? 20 minutes of any kind of movement can help you feel better.
Don’t bottle it up.
Staying silent can often lead to chronic physical pain, emotional withdrawal and increased stress. Talk to a trusted friend, family member or coworker. Or confidentially talk to a therapist, counselor or coach to help lighten your load and find ways to reduce your stress.
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Ways NWPP Can Support You
Your Member Assistance Program from Uprise Health can connect you to therapists, counselors, coaches. online resources and more – at no cost to you. Call (888) 695-2210, or visit members.uprisehealth.com and register with access code: NWPPMAP.
Your medical benefits offer access to a large network of doctors, licensed therapists, counselors and substance abuse programs. Find a provider at premera.com or call (800) 810-2583. Be sure to have your insurance card handy.