Dealing with Stress

Answer from Katie Aborn-Milojevic, Licensed Massage Therapist, Oregon

I understand that your husband has lost his job. While this is frustrating, it’s not the end of the world, and there are ways to cope so that you do not suffer the effects of stress.

Stress can directly affect the physical body in many ways, such as, but not limited to: anxiety, tension headaches, sleeplessness, muscle cramps, lowered immune system. Although you need to take care of YOURSELF, you also need to tend to the stress of both of you, which will in turn, help your personal stress.

A massage is one way to help calm and relax your physical and mental body. You and your husband should treat each other to a back and scalp massage for 30 minutes each. Even a 10 minute foot rub can help a lot. There are ways to also get a professional massage for a discount by calling massage schools in your area and asking for student massages.
 

 

Learn How to Recognize and Manage Stress

Here are some signs that you may be stressed out: Memory problems/inability to concentrate Anxiety or racing thoughts Moodiness, irritability or a short temper Chronic pain, frequent colds, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat Digestion issues, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea Changes in your regular sleep or eating habits Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities Self-medicating, such as using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax There are many ways to manage daily stress. For example, make sure you:  Get enough sleep. In general, an average of eight hours is recommended. Eat a well-balanced diet regularly. Forgetting to eat and not eating enough will only add more stress to your life. Stay hydrated.  Drink plenty of water. Find out how much water you need each day. Exercise. Being active for at least 30 minutes a day will help your overall health, mood, and coping abilities.  Here are a few additional things you can do to manage stress: Talk it out with a friend or family member, or seek professional help. Make a schedule to help manage your time better. Know your limits. It’s okay to say no. Do something fun for yourself, like reading a new book, taking a walk, or trying a new activity or hobby. Try yoga, acupuncture or meditation.