Health & wellness
BY BEN THOMPSON
Whether working through smaller day-to- day challenges or confronting more serious incidents, stress pops up as a natural response to situations, affecting both mental and physical health. Stress is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as how our body responds to pressures or tensions. The feelings and effects of stress can be Austin official on stress management brought on by a variety of factors and can cause anything from tension and headaches and unease to a loss of appetite or social friction, which can also lead to violence. In Austin, Michelle Myles, manager of the city’s Office of Violence Prevention, said an uptick in stress due to world events likely contributed to rising crime rates and violence tracked during recent years.
Keep in mind
Coping strategies can include just minutes of rest or lifestyle changes tied to diet, exercise and mindfulness. Myles said stress can be addressed through yoga and connecting to nature, or more passive activities like making a cup of tea or watching TV. “It’s kind of just reconnecting with yourself, reconnecting with your neighbors that helps you to manage stress. There’s a lot of different things that work,” she said. In response to recent trends, the OVP launched the “Address Your Stress” campaign that could soon expand with more programing community-wide. Informational materials are already online, and Myles said the city hopes to fund other initiatives in the near future.
Stress
Anxiety
Symptoms of both
A positive or negative temporary response to generally external causes
A constant, internal reaction to stress often accompanied by constant apprehension or dread
Worry and unease, tension, headaches, body pains, high blood pressure, loss of sleep
Ways to cope Relaxing, exercise, sleep, healthy eating, meditation, connecting with friends and family, journaling, avoiding caffeine
With extended symptoms, contact a professional for possible therapy or medication
SOURCE: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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