Adapt to put stress in its place

 Adapt to put stress in its place

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Adapting, or changing your standards or expectations, is one of the best ways to deal with stress. To work on adapting, adjust your expectations. For example, instead of feeling frustrated that you're home with a sick child, try to see it as an opportunity to relax and bond. Create a saying such as, "I can handle this," and mentally repeat it on tough days. And remember the big picture. Ask yourself if this will matter in a year or five years.

Stress basics

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. A small amount of stress can be good, motivating you to perform well. But multiple challenges daily, such as sitting in traffic, meeting deadlines and paying bills, can push you beyond your ability to cope.

Your brain comes hard-wired with an alarm system for your protection. When your brain perceives a threat, it signals your body to release a burst of hormones that increase your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. This "fight-or-flight" response fuels you to deal with the threat.

Once the threat is gone, your body is meant to return to a normal, relaxed state. Unfortunately, the nonstop complications of modern life mean that some people's alarm systems rarely shut off.

Stress management gives you a range of tools to reset your alarm system. It can help your mind and body adapt (resilience). Without it, your body might always be on high alert. Over time, chronic stress can lead to serious health problems.

Don't wait until stress damages your health, relationships or quality of life. Start practicing stress management techniques today.

Feb. 26, 2021