5 Ways to Manage Your Stress
According to the American Psychological Association, 75% of adults admit to experiencing stress on a regular basis.
Stress can aggravate nearly every medical condition and cause a variety of issues, including; lack of sleep, unusual eating habits, decreased physical activity, and so much more. But did you know that stress can also make your varicose vein symptoms worse? When it comes to vein health, chronic stress can cause:
Weakened circulation: Heightened stress can cause a sudden rise in blood pressure, which places greater strain on the walls of your veins. This causes blood to pool in the affected veins, leading to painful swelling.
Weight Changes: Chronic stress can lead to unusual eating habits that can cause you to gain weight. Being overweight or obese is a major contributor to the severity of your varicose vein symptoms.
Stopping Progress: Stress can cause you to lose progress in your vein treatment plan. Stress often leaves people more sedentary and more unlikely to devote time to issues outside of their immediate stressors.
Chronic stress has a way of trickling down into every aspect of your life. So finding ways to manage it should be a top priority. Here are 4 great ways to beat stress that will leave you, and your veins, feeling better.
1. Step Away From the Source
Sometimes reducing your stress can be as simple as taking a break.
If a project at work is stressing you out, take a quick break. If an interpersonal relationship is causing you to feel stressed or unhappy, take a break from that person and reevaluate their place in your life, or your response to them.
Taking a few minutes for yourself to walk, meditate, eat a healthy meal, or another stress-reducing activity can you leave you feeling replenished.
2. Get Moving
It’s no secret that physical activity does wonders for your mood. Whether you have time for a full workout, or just 20 minutes to get your blood pumping, getting your body in motion is key.
Exercise releases endorphins, which make you feel better and will help your mind deal with stress. Make it a habit to move for at least 20 minutes every day and watch your mindset change. It won’t magically melt away your stress, but it will allow you to deal with that stress in a healthier way.
3. Meditate
You might be a little bit skeptical about meditation, but studies continue to prove that it can help with both anxiety and stress.
You don’t need to make any drastic changes, or spend a lot of money or time. Just start by adding 5-10 minutes of meditation to your daily routine. Like exercise, this won’t immediately get rid of your stress, but over time it will make a difference that is worth those 10 minutes of silence.
4. Catch More ZZZ’s
Getting a good night's sleep can help you fight stress the next day. Go for at least 7 hours a night.
Try these tips if you're having trouble:
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day -- even on the weekends.
Avoid caffeine after 3 p.m. and alcohol close to bedtime.
If you take naps, do so early in the day rather than too close to bedtime.
Exercise regularly, and try to exercise early in the day.
5. Ask for Help
Sometimes the things causing us stress are too much to manage on our own. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Share your stressful feelings or circumstances with someone that you trust. Sharing your stress and worries with others may just be a way to get things off your chest and realize you are not alone in your stressful feelings. Sharing your stress may also help to lighten your load. If you feel like you are taking on more than you can handle, share that with someone who can take on some of that responsibility.
Nobody responds well to stress, and varicose veins particularly react poorly to it. Finding ways to lower your stress levels can significantly help reduce your symptoms. If you’re worried that stress is having an undue influence on your veins, schedule an appointment with Elmore Medical today.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.