Sean Hall, clinical programs supervisor, Parkview Behavioral Health Institute, discusses good and bad stressors and one technique for addressing the body’s response.
Stress is a constant pressure that we all face in life. Some stressors are positive, like your teenager learning to drive, getting married or buying a new home. Stress can also be negative, which is what most of us think of when we talk about stress, like failing grades at school, financial pressures or relationship strains. Regardless of the source of stress, it takes a toll on our body and our mental well-being.
Stress builds up a chemical called cortisol in our body, and without a release to this chemical, we start to experience the physical and emotional effects of stress more deeply through things like headaches, disrupted sleep, irritability or the inability to concentrate. Reducing cortisol is quite easy through a few simple techniques such as:
- Prioritizing sleep
- ·Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness
- Getting some physical activity
- Eating a balanced diet
Technique: Box breathing
One tool to apply when feeling stressed or anxious is box breathing. This simple technique can help you relax and regain your focus.
Here’s how to do it …
- Find a comfortable position. Close your eyes.
- Inhale through your nose for a count of four.
- Hold your breath for a count of four.
- Slowly exhale through your mouth for a count of four.
- Hold your breath for a count of four.
- Continue these steps two to three times or until you start to feel better.
We’re here to help
Parkview Behavioral Health Institute (PBHI) provides personalized inpatient and outpatient care to those who are struggling with mental health issues. Call the PBHI HelpLine at 260-471-9440 or 1-800-284-8439 to receive an assessment or learn more about our services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
