What is your body telling you?

Everyone’s body serves as a stress barometer. When stress is high, for example, your muscles, immune system or gut will raise a red flag. Use the chart below to gauge how stress might be affecting your body. By recognizing the role stress plays in your health and well-being, you will more likely seek stress relief or medical care when you need it.

Try these tips for reducing everyday stress:

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  • Learn how to say no to people; you can’t do it all.
  • Simplify: Declutter your home, hold a yard sale and treat yourself to an evening at the theater with the money you make.
  • Choose decaf over regular coffee, or try herbal teas.
  • Take a break from the action: Declare an entire weekend as yours alone, where you do only and exactly what you want to do.
  • Go for physical activity. Brisk walking and therapeutic yoga benefit both the mind and body.
  • Try breathing exercises, get a massage, listen to relaxation tapes or music, or engage in reflection.
  • Consider asking for help. Try individual psychotherapy, support group therapy or biofeedback. Relaxation training also is useful.

The effects of stress can be alienating, so be sure to seek support, even if it’s a book group or yoga class.

Two-minute Relaxation

Concentrate your thoughts on yourself and your breathing. Take a few deep breaths, exhaling slowly. Mentally scan your body. Notice areas that feel tense or cramped. Quickly loosen up these areas. Let go of as much tension as you can. Rotate your head in a smooth, circular motion once or twice. (Stop any movements that cause pain.) Roll your shoulders forward and backward several times. Let all your muscles completely relax. Recall a pleasant thought for a few seconds. Then take another deep breath and exhale slowly.