09/05/2026
Stress is a physical and emotional reaction that people experience as they encounter challenges in life. When you’re under stress, your body reacts by releasing hormones that produce the “fight-or-flight” response. Your heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure go up, your muscles tense, and you sweat more.
Occasional stress is a normal coping mechanism. However, long-term stress (also called chronic stress) may contribute to or worsen a range of health problems including digestive disorders, headaches, sleep disorders, and other symptoms. Stress may worsen asthma and has been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.
There is no drug to cure stress. But there are several ways to treat it:
• Deep breathing can help trigger the body's "stress reset button" and bring physical symptoms back to normal.
• Biofeedback uses a device to measure your stress. Over time, it can help you learn to stop the stress response before it becomes chronic.
• Progressive muscle relaxation can be helpful. Tense every muscle in your body, and then relax those muscles. Work from your head down to your feet, until all your muscles are loose and comfortable.
• Mindfulness and meditation techniques, such as you learn in yoga classes, can help you center yourself. Stress has trouble hanging around when you surround yourself with peace.
In pronounced cases of stress, you might need the assistance of a medical professional. There are pharmacological interventions available, but learning how to relax yourself requires no medications or trips to the pharmacy.
Having trouble with the stress in your life? Contact Lisa King at https://nativemagnolia.com today to learn more!
