Stress is a normal part of life. Your body is conditioned to produce cortisol, a naturally-occurring hormone, to help you manage stressful situations. The daily stresses that are constantly bombarding people, from dealing with the dangers of traffic to managing money and family relationships, cause your body to overproduce cortisol, and this overproduction can put your health at risk. The effects on your body include:
- Heart Disease
- Sleep problems
- Digestive problems
- Depression
- Obesity
- Memory impairment
- Skin conditions such as eczema
Learning healthy ways to cope with stress can help alleviate stressors. Here are a few things you can do to help:
- Eat a healthy diet; get regular exercise and plenty of sleep.
- Practice relaxation techniques; take deep breaths, release slowly. Stretch your body while breathing in deeply and releasing.
- Focus on a peaceful scene; if you are not around nature, look at pictures.
- Develop healthy friendships; having someone to talk to helps release stress. Visit one of our chapels for a friendly, listening ear.
- Have a sense of humor; most of the time, things really aren’t that bad.
- Remember that laughter really is the best medicine!
Following these tips can improve your overall health and combat the effects of stress. If you still have problems or need help with achieving stress management, visit DriversWellness.com and click on the Lighthouse Network button. Also, take time to visit one of our chapels – our chaplains are always ready to listen. Comment at http://driverwellness.wordpress.com. Click here to comment.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
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