Newsroom | Community Health
Office Visit: Balancing the Load. Tips to Handle Stress
Jan. 8, 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, stress seems to have become an unavoidable part of our lives.
While small doses of stress can serve as a motivator, unchecked chronic stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression and even have physical effects such as hypertension and heart disease. Stress can sometimes be inevitable, but our response to life's stressors can positively impact our mental health.
Practical strategies to help navigate stressful situations include:
- Understanding your stress triggers: Pay attention to situations that increase your stress levels. Take note and work on eliminating those factors.
- Taking regular breaks: Periodically stepping away from stressful tasks can make them more manageable. Short breaks can improve productivity and mental strain.
- Prioritizing self-care: Exercising regularly, eating well and getting enough sleep are vital in maintaining sustainable stress levels.
- Learning to say no: Prioritizing, delegating and declining tasks when necessary can help prevent overextending and overcommitting yourself.
Todd Hoffman, M.D.
- Seeking professional help: If you're unable to manage stress, consider seeking help from a professional who can help equip you with tools tailored to your needs.
Managing stress is not about perfection, it is about finding balance. You can build a healthier, happier life by implementing these stress-management tools. Small, consistent steps you take today will contribute to a stronger you tomorrow.
Let’s make it a good month.
Todd Hoffman, M.D., C.P.E., is chief medical officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, a division of Health Care Service Corp., a Mutual Legal Reserve Company.